Zeolites as catalysts for selective organic reactions have received considerable attention in recent decades due to their unique physical and chemical properties such as shape, se lectivity , acidic and basic nature and their thermal stability) . Besides the general advantages associated with heterogeneous catalysts like convenient use, easy separation, and being inexpensive zeolite can also be prepared with different porosity, hydrophilicity, varying acid and basic strength and site distribution . This makes zeolites versatile catalysts for a variety of reactions. We have recently used zeolites in different organic methodologies. Armed with these experiences, in this note we present the acetylation of alcohols and phenols using HZSM-5 zeolite as reusable catalyst under solvent-free condition. HZSM-5 zeolite (Si02/AI 20 J, 40) was prepared following the previously described procedure.J. Prior to the experiments, the zeo lite was activated by heating at 400°C for 8 hr. The react ion was performed by heating the mixture of hydroxy compound, acet ic anhydride and HZSM-5 zeolite at 50°C for the selected time. Good to hi gh yie lds (75-95 9'0) were observed in all the cases. This reac ti on to lerates other functionaliti es such as carbon-carbon double and triple bonds (Table I). It is noteworthy to mention that in the absence of zeolite the reaction was slow and considerable amount of starting material was recovered uncharged after indicated time of reaction (Table I ). The reaction was also sluggish when it was
Read full abstract