Abstract
Acylated aromatic ethers are of commercial importance in fine chemicals industries, as many synthetic fragrances and pharmaceuticals contain an acyl group and these ethers are useful intermediates. Para acylated veratrole synthesized by acylation of veratrole is a useful intermediate for the production of vesnarinone, which is a cardiotonic drug. Conventional acylation of veratrole have been carried out by using homogeneous acid catalysts such as AlCl3, FeCl3, ZnCl2, HF, etc. The use of these catalysts leads to many problems concerning handling, safety, corrosion and waste disposal. Thus, the search
for alternatives to environmentally damaging processes has become a topic of highest priority. During the past few years, various solid acids have been tried for the acylation of veratrole. However, the conversion is still poor. Thus, there still exists scope to develop better catalysts which would catalyze the acylation of veratrole with excellent conversion and selectivity at comparatively low temperature. The present paper aims at liquid phase acylation of veratrole with acetic anhydride over silica included dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP) in the temperature range of 303-323 K. Effects of various parameters such as mole ratio of reactants, catalyst loading and temperature on the rates of reaction have been analyzed. The method described here is environmentally benign, and replaces the conventional and hazardous mineral acid catalyst by highly active and reusable catalyst.
Keywords
Supported heteropoly acid, Dodecatungstophosphoricacid, Veratrol (1,2-dimethoxybenzene), Acetoveratrone.
Citation
R. SELVIN, L. SELVA ROSELIN, U. MAITY, Novel catalyst for environmentally friendly synthesis of acetoveratrone, Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials - Rapid Communications, 4, 12, December 2010, pp.2011-2012 (2010).
Submitted at: Nov. 14, 2010
Accepted at: Nov. 29, 2010