Metal-free synthesis of aryl esters by coupling aryl carboxylic acids and aryl boronic acids

A facile synthesis of aryl esters is developed by coupling aryl carboxylic acids and aryl boronic acids in the presence of PhI(OAc)2 and carbonyl diimidazole. A wide range of functional groups were tolerant to the metal-free reaction condition that led to the desired products in good yields.