SO42-/SnO2 as an efficient, chemoselective and reusable catalyst for the synthesis and deprotection of 1,1-diacetates

An efficient method for the synthesis of 1,1-diacetates (acylals) from different aldehydes in the presence of SO42-/SnO2 and acetic anhydride under solvent-free conditions at ambient temperature is achieved. Selective conversion of aldehydes was observed in the presence of ketones. The deprotection of acylals has also been achieved using SO42-/SnO2 in methanol. SO42-/SnO2 catalyst was characterized by XRD, SEM, IR and BET surface area techniques. The catalyst was found to possess good activity and considerable level of reusability.