Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN)—a useful catalyst for the rapid and high-yield esterification of carboxylic acids and alcohols with special reference to steroid and other multi-functional natural products

Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) acts as a versatile catalyst for the esterification of carboxylic acids and alcohols, including steroids and other multi-functional natural products, in excellent yields under mild and convenient reaction conditions.