Copper-Catalyzed Three-Components Intermolecular Alkylesterification of Styrenes with Toluenes and Peroxyesters or Acids.

A simple protocol for the three-component intermolecular alkylesterification of styrenes with toluenes and peroxyesters using a copper catalyst is described. A variety of ester-containing complex compounds were synthesized with excellent functional group tolerance and step efficiency. Employing the combination of carboxylic acids and di- tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) oxidant instead of peroxyesters also gave similar results. In this transformation, aromatic acids, aliphatic acids, and amino acids were suitable substrates.