Synthesis 2004(7): 971-985  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-822323
REVIEW
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Transesterification/Acylation Reactions Catalyzed by Molecular Catalysts

Gabriela A. Grasaa, Rohit Singhb, Steven P. Nolan*b
a Johnson Matthey Catalysts Chiral Technologies, 28 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, CB4 1FP, Cambridge, UK
b Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
Fax: +1(504)2806445; e-Mail: snolan@uno.edu;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 20 January 2004
Publication Date:
14 April 2004 (online)

Abstract

A survey of catalysts able to mediate the transesterification/acylation reaction is presented. Metal and organic catalysts are capable of facilitating this important transformation.

  • 1 Introduction

  • 2 Transesterification Reactions Catalyzed by Lewis Acids

  • 2.1 Lanthanide (Sm) Catalysis

  • 2.2 Tin Catalysis

  • 2.3 Indium Catalysis

  • 2.4 Yttrium Catalysis

  • 3 Transesterification Reactions Catalyzed by Nucleophilic Catalysts

  • 3.1 Superbase-Catalyzed Transesterification of Esters with Alcohols

  • 3.2 Nucleophilic N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Catalysis

  • 4 Conclusions