Phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) has been found to be a simple and efficient catalyst for
the acetylation of alcohols, phenols, and amines. Acetylation reactions with acetic
anhydride (1.0 equiv) proceed in excellent yield in the presence of a catalytic amount
(0.2 mol%) of PMA at ambient temperature within a relatively short reaction time (<10
min). Structurally diverse alcohols, phenols, and amines undergo acetylation under
solvent-free conditions.
acetylation - phosphomolybdic acid - alcohols - amines - green catalysis