A stable intermediate: a new insight into the mechanism of Lewis acids-promoted formation of acylals from aldehydes

Treatment of m-nitrobenzaldehyde with acetic anhydride in the presence of Lewis acids, such as InBr3, ZnBr2, Cu(OTf)2, gives a stable intermediate at the initial stage of reaction. Based on this new organic compound characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, a new mechanism for Lewis acids-promoted formation of acylals from aldehydes is proposed. Exchange reaction with different ratio of acetic anhydride to propionic anhydride, in the presence of Lewis acids, is studied.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide