Esterification–chlorination of glycerol provides chlorohydrin esters in high yields. A ratio of reagents close to equivalence can be used, so that atom economy of the reaction is optimized. The reaction can be carried out using either classical or microwave heating, and no solvent is required. 2-Chloro-1-(chloromethyl) ethyl esters can be obtained in high regioisomeric relationship when either low or moderate temperature is used. In contrast, ...
