Esterifications with 2-(Trimethylsilyl)ethyl 2,2,2-Trichloroacetimidate

Abstract

2-(Trimethylsilyl)ethyl 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate is readily synthesized from 2-trimethylsilylethanol in high yield. This imidate is an effective reagent for the formation of 2-trimethylsilylethyl esters without the need for an exogenous promoter or catalyst, as the carboxylic acid substrate is acidic enough to promote ester formation without an additive. A deuterium labeling study indicated that a β-silyl carbocation intermediate is involved in the transformation.