Organic reactions at alumina surfaces. An extremely simple, convenient and selective method for acetylating primary alcohols in the presence of secondary alcohols.

Abstract

Stirring primary-secondary diols in ethyl acetate solvent over Woelm alumina leads to the corresponding primary monoacetates simply, conveniently, and in good yields. In this way, primary hydroxyalkylphenols are converted into acetoxyalkylphenols, and primary arylamines are transformed into the corresponding acetamides.