$H_2SO_4$-silica as an efficient and chemoselective catalyst for the synthesis of acylal from aldehydes under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

A variety of aldehydes react with acetic anhydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of $H_2SO_4$ - silica to afford the corresponding 1,1-diacetates (acylals) in excellent yields. Ketones are not affected under the reaction conditions. The advantages are the simplicity of the acylation procedure, and the relatively non-toxic nature of the catalyst as well as its easy availability and low cost.