A fast and practical synthesis of tert-butyl esters from 2-tert-butoxypyridine using boron trifluoride·diethyl etherate under mild conditions

A practical direct preparation of tert-butyl esters from 2-tert-butoxypyridine has been developed. This system features the use of boron trifluoride·diethyl etherate in toluene solvent to rapidly achieve the reaction at room temperature. Using this reaction protocol, a variety of tert-butyl esters were synthesized from several different carboxylic acids at high yields. This practical procedure provides a promising and effective approach to the protection of carboxylic acids with a tert-butyl group.