Cerium Polyoxometalate as a Reusable Catalyst for Acetylation and Formylation of Alcohols

Summary. Efficient esterification of primary and sterically-hindered secondary or tertiary alcohols with acetic anhydride was achieved in the presence of ammonium decatungestocerate(IV) icosahydrate, (NH₄)₈[CeW₁₀O₃₆]·20H₂O, as catalyst in high yields. Primary and secondary alcohols were also converted to their corresponding acetates and formates with acetic acid and ethyl formate in the presence of this catalyst. Easy work-up, non-toxicity, reusability, and stability of the catalyst are noteworthy advantages of this method.