A trifluoroacetic acid adduct of a trifluoroacetate-bridged μ4-oxo-tetranuclear zinc cluster, Zn4(OCOCF3)6O•CF3CO2H: synthesis under mild conditions and catalytic transesterification and oxazoline formation

Synthesis of a trifluoroacetate-bridged tetranuclear zinc cluster and its trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) adduct under mild conditions (similar to 110 degrees C) was achieved. The catalytic activity and functional group tolerance of the TFA adduct in transesterification and oxazoline formation were almost identical to those of the original zinc cluster.