There are several options of introducing an acetoxy functionality in a molecule from an alcohol (in effect protecting the alcohol by acetylation):
* Acetyl halide, such as acetyl chloride in the presence of a base like triethylamine
* Activated ester form of acetic acid, such as a N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, although this is not advisable due to higher costs and difficulties.
* Acetic anhydride in the presence of base with a catalyst such as pyridine with a bit of DMAP added.
An alcohol is not a particularly strong nucleophile and, when present, more powerful nucleophiles like amines will react with the above-mentioned reagents in preference to the alcohol.