Mechanically induced solvent-free esterification method at room temperature

Herein, we describe two novel strategies for the synthesis of esters, as achieved under high-speed ball-milling (HSBM) conditions at room temperature. In the presence of I₂ and KH₂PO₂, the reactions afford the desired esterification derivatives in 45% to 91% yields within 20 min of grinding. Meanwhile, using KI and P(OEt)₃, esterification products can be obtained in 24% to 85% yields after 60 min of grinding. In addition, the I₂/KH₂PO₂ protocol was successfully extended to the late-stage diversification of natural products showing the robustness of this useful approach. Further application of this method in the synthesis of inositol nicotinate was also discussed.