Graphene Oxide as Catalyst for the Acetalization of Aldehydes at Room Temperature

Graphene oxide obtained through the standard Hummers oxidation of graphite and subsequent exfoliation promotes acetalization of aldehydes in methanol. It is a highly efficient reusable heterogeneous catalyst because of its advantages of absence of transition metals, sustainable resources, and high activity, large surface area, and accessibility of active sites. Analytical and spectroscopic data suggest that the sulfate groups introduced spontaneously during Hummers oxidation are the sites responsible for catalysis.