Host (nanocavity of zeolite-Y)–guest (molybdophosphoric acid) nanocomposite materials: An efficient catalyst for solvent-free synthesis and deprotection of 1,l-diacetates

In the present work, a mild and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of acylals from aldehydes with acetic anhydride in the presence of molybdophosphoric acid encapsulated into dealuminated zeolite Y (MPA-DAZY) as a catalyst under solvent-free conditions at 45–55 °C in good to excellent yield. The deprotection of acylals has also been attained using this catalyst in acetonitrile. The catalyst was reused several times without efficient loss of its catalytic activity.