Polymer-supported gadolinium triflate as a convenient and efficient Lewis acid catalyst for acetylation of alcohols and phenols

A polymer-supported gadolinium triflate (CMPS-IM-Gd) catalyst was prepared from chloromethyl polystyrene (CMPS) resin using a simple and convenient procedure. This polymeric catalyst was used as an efficient Lewis acid catalyst for the acetylation of various alcohols and phenols with acetic anhydride, affording high yields under mild conditions. The reaction was completed in a short period of time with small amounts of the catalyst. The catalyst was reused over 10 times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.