New methods and reagents in organic synthesis. 14. A simple efficient preparation of methyl esters with trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSCHN2) and its application to gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acids.

Abstract

Trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSCHN2), known as a stable and safe substitute for highly toxic and explosive diazomethane in the Arndt-Eistert synthesis and homologation of carbonyl compounds, has smoothly reacted with various carboxylic acids in methanolic benzene solution to give the corresponding methyl esters in excellent yields.