Selective acetylation of primary alcohols: Acetyl and formyl transfer reactions with copper(II) salts

The efficient esterification of primary and secondary alcohols in acetic acid was achieved in the presence of Cu(NO3)(2) . 3H(2)O in high yields. Selective acetylation of primary in the presence of secondary hydroxyl groups in excellent yields were performed in EtOAc. Formylation of primary and secondary alcohols was also achieved easily in ethyl formate. High retention of configuration was observed in the acetylation and formylation of (-) menthol in the presence of Cu(NO3)(2) . 3H(2)O and Cu(OAc)(2) . H2O.