Convenient One-Pot Conversion of Alcohols into Esters via Hemiacetal Intermediates

Abstract

A simple and efficient one-pot oxidative procedure, adaptable to a large scale, is described for the preparation of methyl esters from either primary alcohols or vic-diols. The aldehyde is generated by Swern or periodate oxidation, followed by bromine oxidation of the methyl hemiacetal formed in aqueous methanolic solution.