ZSM-5-SO3H as a novel, efficient, and reusable catalyst for the chemoselective synthesis and deprotection of 1,1-diacetates under eco-friendly conditions

ZSM-5 has been modified as supported sulfuric acid (ZSM-5-SO3H) and introduced for the first time as a mild, convenient, reusable, and heterogeneous catalyst. Various types of aldehydes were efficiently converted to their 1,1-diacetates using a catalytic amount of ZSM-5-SO3H in excellent yields under solvent-free and heterogeneous conditions at room temperature. The deprotection of 1,1-diacetates has also been achieved using this novel catalyst in ethanol. The procedure is operationally simple, environmentally benign, and only a stoichiometric amount of anhydride is used.