Oxidative esterification of alcohols by a single-side organically decorated Anderson-type chrome-based catalyst

The direct esterification of alcohols with non-noble metal-based catalytic systems faces great challenges. Here, we report a new chrome-based catalyst stabilized by a single pentaerythritol decorated Anderson-type polyoxometalate, [N(C4H9)(4)](3)[CrMo6O18(OH)(3)C{(OCH2)(3)CH2OH}], which can realize the efficient transformation from alcohols to esters by H2O2 oxidation in good yields and high selectivity without extra organic ligands. A variety of alcohols with different functionalities including some natural products and pharmaceutical intermediates are tolerated in this system. The chrome-based catalyst can be recycled several times and still keep the original configuration and catalytic activity. We also propose a reasonable catalytic mechanism and prove the potential for industrial applications.

Automated summary

A new chromium-based catalyst stabilized by a single pentaerythritol decorated Anderson-type polyoxometalate enables the efficient conversion of alcohols to esters through H2O2 oxidation, with high yields and selectivity without extra organic ligands. The catalyst can tolerate alcohols with various functionalities, and can be recycled multiple times while maintaining its original configuration and catalytic activity. The proposed catalytic mechanism shows great potential for industrial applications.