A complex interplay between catalyst structure, acylating agent, auxiliary base, and solvent governs the reactivity and selectivity in 4‐(dialkylamino)pyridine‐catalyzed esterification reactions (see scheme). This highlight attempts a rationalization of the complicated mechanism and puts forward some explanations for seemingly contradictory experimental observations.

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Epothilones have captured the attention of chemists, biologists, and drug researchers ever since they were found to inhibit human cancer cell growth through a “taxol‐like” mechanism over ten years ago. Today, at least seven epothilone‐derived agents have entered clinical trials. However, additional new and exciting analogues have emerged in recent years, suggesting that the potential of these natural products to serve as leads for new anticancer drugs is far from exhausted.

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