Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes to Hexafluoroisopropyl (HFIP) Esters Using an Oxoammonium Salt

Leadbeater et al. have reported an oxidative esterification of aldehydes to hexafluoroisopropyl (HFIP) esters in high yields using the oxoammonium salt, 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxopiperidinium tetrafluoroborate, as an oxidant. A variety of aldehydes can be applied for this reaction. The spent oxidant can be recovered as an oxyl form and recycled to the oxoammonium salt. The HFIP esters can be converted to other valuable products by transesterification and reduction under mild conditions.