Transesterification Reaction

The Transesterification reaction is the process of exchanging the alkoxy group of an ester with another alcohol. The reaction is catalyzed by the addition of an acid (which protonates the carbonyl group and makes the ester more electrophile) or by the addition of a base (which makes the alcohol more nucleophilic).

Transesterification Reaction

Transesterification Reaction

Reaction Mechanism

Transesterification Reaction

The carbonyl carbon of the starting ester reacts to give a tetrahedral intermediate, which either reverts to the starting material or proceeds to the transesterification product.

Learn More Named Reactions

SEE ALL