A series of carboxylic acids were converted into their corresponding methyl esters using bismuth(III) triflate as a catalyst in methanol. Good to excellent yields were obtained for different aliphatic or aromatic starting materials. In the reaction, bismuth triflate acts as a precursor that, upon hydrolysis, liberates sufficient triflic acid to catalyze the esterification.

Bismuth(III) triflate is a safe and easily handled precursor for triflic acid, enabling efficient conversion of carboxylic acids into methyl esters in methanol.

Paper

Bismuth(III) Triflate: A Safe and Easily Handled Precursor for Triflic Acid: Application to the Esterification Reaction

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