p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride as a new and effective catalyst for acetylation and formylation of hydroxyl compounds under mild conditions

The catalytic application of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride for efficient acetylation of various types of alcohols and phenols with acetic anhydride in solvent-free conditions is reported. Also structurally diverse alcohols were formylated using formic acid based on the use of catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride under solvent-free condition. The reactions were carried out in short reaction time and in good to excellent yields at room temperature.