Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Synthesis of Esters Via a Greener Steglich Esterification in Acetonitrile
Published on: October 30, 2018
DCM alternatives for use in Steglich esterifications, for green and sustainable liquid crystal syntheses
William C Ogle1,2,3, Calum J Gibb2, Stuart R Berrow1
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK r.mandle@leeds.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Dichloromethane (DCM) is a popular solvent for the synthesis of liquid crystalline materials owing to its solvating power, moderate polarity, and ease of removal. The environmental and toxicological issues surrounding DCM prompt us to explore alternatives. Here, we have screened an extensive selection of green and sustainable solvents to find the most efficacious DCM alternative for the synthesis of a conventional liquid crystal, CZP-5-N. Several factors are considered: yield, environmental impact, and health and safety concerns. The best performing solvent, dimethyl carbonate, was then used in the synthesis of common and novel liquid crystals, along with intermediates, giving excellent results, even for electron poor phenols. With esterifications prevalent in trending research areas like the ferroelectric nematic phase, this work allows a facile means for sustainability to be incorporated into synthetic pathways.
Related Concept Videos
Intramolecular Claisen Condensation of Dicarboxylic Esters: Dieckmann Cyclization
β-Dicarbonyl Compounds via Crossed Claisen Condensations
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Cyclic Products: Stereochemistry
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Bridged Bicyclic Products: Stereochemistry
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...

