Al(OTf)3 as a highly efficient catalyst for the rapid acetylation of alcohols, phenols and thiophenols under solvent-free conditions

Aluminium triflate (0.01-0.1 mol %) was found to be an efficient catalyst for the acylation of alcohols, phenols, thiols and sugars with acetic anhydride in high yields under solvent-free conditions in a short reaction time at room temperature. Racemization of optically active alcohols and epimerization of sugars were not observed. The acylation efficacy of various acyl donors was also investigated. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.