Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Synthesis of Esters Via a Greener Steglich Esterification in Acetonitrile
Published on: October 30, 2018
Cobalt-Catalyzed Esterification of Amides
Yann Bourne-Branchu1, Corinne Gosmini1, Grégory Danoun1
1LCM, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128, Palaiseau Cedex, France.
Abstract:
The first cobalt-catalyzed amide activation of N-Boc-amides, and their conversion into esters, is reported here. This new methodology presents a very practical process that does not require an inert atmosphere, uses an inexpensive cobalt catalyst, and proceeds under mild reaction conditions. This catalytic system has a broad substrate scope and has been shown to be highly efficient, with catalyst loadings as low as 1 mol %.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation of Amides
The DCC-promoted synthesis of amides begins with the protonation of DCC by carboxylic acid. The protonation makes it a better acceptor. Next, the addition of carboxylate to the protonated carbodiimide gives a reactive acylating agent.
Subsequently, the amine acts as a nucleophile that attacks the acylating agent to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the...
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
Amines to Amides: Acylation of Amines
Next, the second equivalent of amine serves as a Brønsted base and deprotonates the quaternary...
Alkylation of β-Ketoester Enolates: Acetoacetic Ester Synthesis
Carboxylic Acids to Esters: Acid-Catalyzed (Fischer) Esterification Overview
Aldol Condensation with β-Diesters: Knoevenagel Condensation

