Metal-Free Oxidative Cross Esterification of Alcohols via Acyl Chloride Formation

A novel metal-free oxidative cross esterification of alcohols has been achieved using trichloroisocyanuric acid as an oxidant. The alcohols were converted in situ into their corresponding acyl chlorides, which were then reacted with primary and secondary aliphatic, benzylic and allylic alcohols and phenols. A wide variety of esters was obtained in satisfactory yields.