Esterification of carboxylic acids using carbon disulfide (CS2) as a coupling agent.

A novel and efficient method for the esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols has been developed, utilizing carbon disulfide as a coupling agent. A wide range of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, including dicarboxylic acids, protected amino acids, and fatty acids, are well-tolerated under this protocol, delivering excellent yields. The key advantages of this method include low alcohol loading, excellent to quantitative yields, metal- and acid-free conditions, neutral reaction conditions, as well as a straightforward work-up and purification process.