Abstract: Several enantiopure alcohols are esterified with N-acyl-4-benzylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonates 7b, d, f or tetrafluoroborates 7a, c, e. These reagents, which can be generated in situ, or isolated as stable salts, are synthesized from readily available 4- alkylpyridines 3, acyl chlorides 4 and strong protic acids 6. The acyl moiety is transferred under neutral conditions and in high yields. The heterocyclic component 3a can be re- ...
