Dual behavior of alcohols in iodine-catalyzed esterification under solvent-free reaction conditions

The dual behavior phenomenon of alcohols in iodine-catalyzed esterification under solvent-free reaction conditions (SFRCs) is described; the governing factor is the stability of the carbonium ion generated from the alcohol; high concentration reaction conditions (HCRCs) or dilute solutions are much less suitable. In the case of benzylic alcohols, loss of optical activity was noted, whereas alkyl alcohols furnished a product with retention of stereochemistry.