A Method for the Acetylation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Heteropolyoxometallates

Summary. Esterifications of acetic acid with some linear, secondary, tertiary, and benzylic alcohols mediated by catalytic amounts of Keggin, Wells–Dawson, and Preyssler type heteropolyacids were carried out under reflux at mild reaction conditions with good to excellent yields. Among the examined catalysts, H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ and H₁₄NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀ revealed better results than other heteropolyacids. This work was performed with the aim of simplifying the esterification process by omitting any solvents and mineral acid catalysts. Easy work-up, low cost, and acidic waste reduction, which are all important features from the environmental and economical points of view, are distinct aspects of this protocol. Heteropolyacid catalysts could be separated after a simple work-up and reused for several times.