Kowalski ester homologation

The Kowalski ester homologation is a chemical reaction for the homologation of esters.



This reaction was designed as a safer alternative to the Arndt-Eistert synthesis. The Kowalski reaction is named after its inventor, Conrad J. Kowalski.

Reaction mechanism


The mechanism is disputed.

Variations
A modification of the procedure has been described that results in higher yields.

By changing the reagent in the second step of the reaction, the Kowalski ester homologation can also be used for the preparation of silyl ynol ethers.