Zirconyl triflate: A new, highly efficient and reusable catalyst for acetylation and benzoylation of alcohols, phenols, amines and thiols with acetic and benzoic anhydrides

Highly efficient acetylation and benzoylation of alcohols, phenols, amines and thiols with acetic and benzoic anhydrides catalyzed by new and reusable zirconyl triflate, ZrO(OTf)₂, is reported. The high catalytic activity of electron deficient ZrO(OTf)₂ can be used for the acetylation and benzoylation of not only primary alcohols but also sterically-hindered secondary and tertiary alcohols with acetic and benzoic anhydrides. Acetylation of phenols with acetic and benzoic anhydrides was achieved to afford the desired acetates and benzoates efficiently. This catalyst also efficiently catalyzed the acetylation and benzoylation of amines and thiols whereby the corresponding amides and thioesters were obtained in good to excellent yields. This catalyst can be reused several times without loss of its activity.