Rare Earth Solid Superacid Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts Acylation of Ferrocene

Abstract

The Friedel–Crafts acylation of ferrocene catalyzed by a new type of catalyst of rare-earth solid superacid sulfated zirconia SZR3+ was developed. Comparison of catalytic activities between different solid acid catalysts is presented. The catalyst, sulfated zirconia ytterbium SZNYb3+, showed interesting catalytic properties for preparation of acylferrocenes. Furthermore, the catalyst could be regenerated and reused in succession after simple filtration.