Tetrabutylammonium tribromide mediated condensation of carboxylic acids with alcohol

The direct condensation of various carboxylic acids and alcohols was achieved efficiently at reflux temperature under a solvent free condition using a catalytic amount of Tetrabutylammonium Tribromide (TBATB). Chemoselective acylation of primary alcohols in presence of secondary alcohols and phenols has been achieved. Steric factors in carboxylic acids played a crucial role during chemoselective acylation of diols. Reaction under a solvent free condition, absence of any dehydrating agent or use of any special techniques for removal of water and higher yields are the important features of this protocol