A modified procedure for the Dakin-West reaction:: an efficient and convenient method for a one-pot synthesis of β-acetamido ketones using silica sulfuric acid as catalyst

A one-pot, four-component condensation of an aryl aldehyde, an aryl ketone, acetyl chloride and acetonitrile in the presence of silica sulfuric acid as an active, inexpensive, recoverable and recyclable catalyst is disclosed for the synthesis of beta-acetamido ketones. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.