title: p-Toluenesulfonic acid/methanol: mild reagent for the preparation of bile acid methyl esters.
abstract: An improved method for the preparation of bile acid methyl esters is described. This is achieved by the addition of catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid in a solution of bile acid in methanol. Advantages of this procedure over conventional methods include (1) use of a mild solid acid catalyst which prevents the formation of undesirable byproducts, (2) isolation of a solid product of high purity and (3) utilization of a relatively safe reagent in comparison to other methods involving diazomethane, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.
mesh_terms: D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D000432:Methanol
chemical_list: D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; C029501:4-toluenesulfonic acid; D000432:Methanol