4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) is a highly versatile nucleophilic catalyst for acylation reactions and esterifications. It is also employed in various organic transformations like Baylis-Hillman reaction, Dakin-West reaction, protection of amines, C-acylations, silylations, applications in natural products chemistry, and many others.

4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine can be used as a catalyst:

• To synthesize 3,5-disubstituted 2,6-dicyanoaniline by reacting malononitrile, aldehydes, and β-nitroolefins.
• For the acylation of alcohols with acid anhydrides under auxiliary base- and solvent-free conditions to synthesize corresponding esters.
• In Baylis-Hillman reaction to form carbon-carbon bond by the coupling of an activated alkene with an aldehyde or ketone.

A highly efficient catalyst for acylation reactions.