Asymmetrically Modified Cu‐Anderson Polyoxometalate Catalyst for Efficient Synthesis of Benzyl Acetate

The direct esterification of alcohols using nonnoble metal-based catalytic systems remains a significant challenge. Recently, Anderson-type polyoxometalates (POMs) incorporating nonnoble metals have garnered increasing attention in green catalytic processes. Organic ligand modification has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the catalytic activity, insensitivity to pH changes, and stability of Cu-Anderson-type polyoxometalates. In this study, we synthesized a Cu-Anderson-type polyoxometalate, (NH₄)₂[H₂((CH₂O)₃CCH₂OH)₂CuMo₆O₁₈]·4H₂O (CuMo₆≠OH), asymmetrically modified with pentaerythritol ligands. This catalyst demonstrated exceptional catalytic activity, stability, and recyclability in the synthesis of benzyl acetate, offering a greener and more efficient alternative to traditional inorganic acid catalysts. This approach provides a promising, eco-friendly pathway for esterification reactions.