A modified Steglich esterification reaction was used to synthesize a small library of ester derivatives with primary and secondary alcohols. The methodology uses a non-halogenated and greener solvent, acetonitrile, and enables product isolation in high yields without the need for chromatographic purification.
Lutjen, A. B., Quirk, M. A., Kolonko, E. M. Synthesis of Esters Via a Greener Steglich Esterification in Acetonitrile. J. Vis. Exp. (140), e58803, doi:10.3791/58803 (2018).