A study into the use of microwaves and solid acid catalysts for Friedel-Crafts acetylations

A range of solid acids has been used for the acetylation of methyl salicylate (see Scheme 1). A comparison between microwave and traditional heating has been also been made. The microwave-solid acid combinations offer truly catalytic acetylations with much reduced reaction times compared to those afforded by traditional alternatives albeit in reduced yields compared with aluminium chloride.