copper-catalyzed chemoselective oxidative O-aroylation of 2-acetylphenols, alkyl salicylates and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with a wide range of styrene derivatives are described. This approach provides an efficient chemoselective preparation of phenol, alkyl salicylate and enol esters in good to excellent yields. This method represents an alternative protocol for the classical esterification reactions.