Esterification of Phthalic Anhydride with Primary Alcohols at Room Temperature

Abstract

IN a recent publication¹, some investigations on the esterification-rate of dibasic acid anhydrides with primary alcohols at room temperature were recorded. From the results of titration of acid anhydrides dissolved in the cold in primary alcohols, using a solution of potassium hydroxide in the alcohol as titrating agent, it was concluded that mono-ester formation was instantaneous and quantitative, being so rapid that comparison of rates of reaction was impossible.