| Abstract: | A series of monoorganotin(IV) compounds has been investigated as transesterification catalysts for the reaction of butyl propionate with methanol. The most active catalysts were found to be those which contain tin-halogen bonds, e.g. monobutyltin trichloride (BuSnCl3), and the least effective were the coordinatively saturated monoorganotin derivatives. Certain of the mono(2-carboalkoxyethyl)tin compounds were found to undergo a facile autocatalysed transesterification reaction with alcohols. Coordination of the carbonyl group in the ester to the tin catalyst is an important factor influencing its activity. A study of the catalysis of the esterification of propionic acid by BuSnCl3 is reported. |
