Easy access to bismuth catecholates

The reaction of catechols with bismuth (III) acetate in acetic acid solution provides an easy access to the polymeric bismuth catecholate acetate ( 1 ), 4-tert ˙ butylcatecholate hydroxide ( 2 ), and 3,5-di-tert ˙ butylcatecholate hydroxide ( 3 ).