Cs2CO3‐N,N‐Dimethylacetamide‐Promoted Esterification of Arylformic Acids with a‐Bromo Esters via Nucleophilic Substitution

Herein, a nucleophilic substitution reaction between arylformic acids and α ‐bromo esters, facilitated by a Cs 2 CO 3 ‐DMA system, is reported. This reaction occurs under mild conditions, yielding a diverse range of valuable lactic acid derivatives (34 examples) with good to excellent yields (up to 97%). Subtle factors, such as the ion‐dipole interactions between Cs 2 CO 3 , the substrates, and the solvent, may significantly influence the dynamics of the S N 2 reaction.