We have developed an efficient method for selective monobenzoylation of 1, 2-and 1, 3- diols in water catalyzed by Me2SnCl2. Treatment of 1, 2-and 1, 3-diols with benzoyl chlorides, DMT-MM, and potassium carbonate in the presence of a catalytic amount of Me2SnCl2 and DMAP in water at room temperature gave monobenzoates in up to 97% yield.
