Microwave-assisted green synthesis of 1,1-diacetates (acylals) using selectfluor™ as an environmental-friendly catalyst under solvent-free conditions

An efficient and simple procedure has been developed for the acetylation of aldehyde by selectfluor (TM) [1-(chloromethyl)-4-fluoro-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2,2,2]octane bis(tetrafluoroborate)] as a chemoselective and environmentally friendly catalyst under solvent-free conditions or microwave irradiation. The application of microwave irradiation improved the yields and reduced the reaction times. In this study, selective conversion of aldehydes was observed in the presence of ketones, and the deprotection of 1,1-diacetates has also been achieved using selectfluor (TM) in water as green solvent in reflux conditions. The methodology provides synergy of microwave irradiation which offers several advantages such the simple work-up procedure, short reaction time, excellent yields and environmentally benign procedure.