The Direct Conversion of Ethanol to Ethyl and Methyl Acetates Catalyzed by Iridium Complex

Ethanol was efficiently converted to ethyl and methyl acetates by [Cp*IrCl2](2) combined with 2-(methylamino)ethanol and a base like Cs2CO3 at room temperature in acetone in high yield, which provides the first Ir-catalyzed direct route to ethyl and methyl acetates from ethanol.