Abstract Alcohols which are difficult to acylate are rapidly and quantitatively esterified under mild conditions by means of the highly active methoxalic acid anhydride. The anhydride is therefore specially suited for hydroxyl group determination. The mixed oxalic acid esters obtained can be hydrolyzed to water soluble monoester salts, from which the pure alcohols are liberated by stronger alkali. The method makes possible the quantitative separation of ...
