Sulfated Zirconia: An Efficient Catalyst for Solvent-Free Synthesis of Silyl Ethers Under Mild Conditions

Oximes, allylic, aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic, acyclic, and hetero alcohols are silylated in short reaction times with good yields in the midst of a catalytic amount of sulfated zirconia solid acid catalyst and trimethylsilyl cyanide under nonbasic, solvent-free, and ambient temperature conditions. Selectivity toward O-silyl ether rather than N-silyl ether has been observed. This simple experimental procedure, combined with easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst, is expected to contribute to the development of a clean and environmentally friendly strategy for the synthesis of O-silyl ethers.