Rate Accelerations in AgNO3 Mediated Transesterification of β –Keto esters

In the present study, AgNO3 is employed as an effective catalyst for transesterification of β-keto esters with various alcohols under conventional and non-conventional conditions. The alcohols are easily converted into corresponding acetates in very good yields and less reaction times. However, a decrease in reaction times as well as moderate yields were observed when performed under non-conventional conditions such as Sonication and Microwave irradiation. Contrary to many other silver salts catalysts, AgNO3 has shown remarkable levels of activity and stability towards transesterification reaction. The tendency in reaction rates was found to be MWAS (3-6 min) Sonication (30-45 min) Conventional (8-12 hrs).