Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) promoted direct and instantaneous thio-esterification of a carboxylic acid and thiol at ambient temperature.

A simple yet efficient method is disclosed for the synthesis of a diverse range of thioester derivatives. Carbonyldiimidazole promoted esterification between a carboxylic acid and thiol was carried out at ambient temperature. The short reaction time, excellent yield, operational ease and wide functional group tolerance are the notable features of the reaction.