Monoalcoholates of 1,3-diols as effective catalysts in the Tishchenko esterification of 1,3-dioxan-4-ols

Alkali metal monoalcoholates of 1,3-diols can be used as very effective catalysts in the Tishchenko reaction of 4-hydroxy-1,3-dioxanes to the corresponding monoesters of 1,3-diols. These catalysts are extremely efficient and fast compared to metal hydroxides commonly used. Thus, monoalcoholate catalysts give fast transesterification with the product ester. The loss in yield due to ester interchange can be minimized by using a suitable 1,3-diol moiety in the catalyst.