Ionic liquids as solvent for efficient esterification of carboxylic acids with alkyl halides

Abstract

The selective esterification of carboxylic acid derivatives with a variety of alkyl halides was carried out using ionic liquid as solvent in the presence of triethylamine. The reaction was found to proceed under relatively mild conditions with excellent conversions (up to 99%) and selectivities. The ionic liquid was recycled and reused.