Single-Step Conversion of Electron-Deficient Aldehydes into the Corresponding Esters in Aqueous Alcohols in the Presence of Iodine and Sodium Nitrite

Abstract

The direct conversion of aldehydes into their corresponding esters in the presence of iodine and sodium nitrite in aqueous alcohols is reported. In all these reactions, alcohol serves as reactant and also as reaction medium. Almost quantitative yields were obtained with aldehydes containing electron-withdrawing substituents and heterocyclic aldehydes.