A simple and convenient method for preparation of carboxylic acid alkyl esters, phenolic and thioesters using chlorodiphenylphosphine/I2 and imidazole reagent system

Condensation of carboxylic acids with alcohols, phenols and thiols proceeded smoothly to afford carboxylic acid alkyl esters, phenolic esters and thioesters by using the combination of chlorodiphenylphosphine, imidazole and molecular iodine in refluxing acetonitrile. Esterification with this mixed reagent system gave the corresponding products in excellent yields. The phosphorus-containing byproduct was simply removed from the organic phase by basic aqueous workup without the need for chromatography purification.