Carbonyldiimidazole

CAS 530-62-1, Cat. No EN300-21023

Reagent for activation of carboxylic acids

CDI is a classical reagent for the activation of carboxylic acids for the reaction with nucleophiles. The reagent is white solid, and shelf-stable but is moisture sensitive and reacts with water to produce CO₂. It is well soluble in THF, benzene, CHCl₃, and DMF, but solvents need to be dehydrated before usage. Beyond the synthesis of esters and amides, the reagent may be used as a direct replacement for the highly toxic Phosgene in reactions with alcohols and amine.

Synonyms: N,N′-Carbonyldiimidazol, CDI

Selected publication

1. N,N ′-Carbonyldiimidazole.

Armstrong A.; Li W. Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis 2007. DOI: 10.1002/9780470842898.rc024