Practical selective monohydrolysis of bulky symmetric diesters: Comparing with sonochemistry

The conditions of the practical selective monohydrolysis of symmetric diesters we previously reported have been modified and applied to selective monohydrolysis of bulky symmetric diesters. While ultrasound is generally considered effective for two-phase reactions, its effect actually turned out to be rather marginal. Instead, use of a larger proportion of a polar aprotic co-solvent, DMSO, and aqueous KOH helped enhance the reaction rates and improve the yields of the half-esters. The reactions are simple, mild and practical without special devices.