The acylation of alcohols and amines from acyl halide or anhydride in an aqueous alkaline solution (e.g., 1
M
NaOH), and is generally known as the Schotten–Baumann reaction or Schotten–Baumann acylation. It has been reported that biphasic system of water and an immiscible organic solvent (e.g., CH
2
Cl
2
) is favourable to conduct this reaction. However, it has been found that when pyridine is added to scavenge the generated HCl, the reaction yield might be reduced. This reaction is useful in the preparation of esters and amides.