Review on Performance and Preparation of Catalysts for Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes or Alcohols to Esters

Abstract Ester plays a crucial role as a intermediate. Acids or acid derivatives are synthesized through the oxidation of aldehydes or alcohols, followed by esterification reactions to obtain esters. However, the traditional process is intricate and demands high energy consumption. To address these concerns, the one‐step oxidative esterification of aldehydes and alcohols into esters has emerged as a simple, co‐friendly and efficient green synthesis method, opening new avenues for cost‐effective ester production. In this rapidly advancing and promising field, utilizing the latest research findings on innovative catalysts is highly desirable. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidative esterification of aldehydes or alcohols. The focus is on both noble and non‐precious metal catalysts, along with their respective reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, we present novel catalytic strategies for future applications, highlighting the advantages offered by single‐atom catalysts, hydrophobic catalysts, magnetic catalysts, and ionic liquid catalysts. Additionally, we shed light on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in this field.