Acetylation of α-methylene-β-hydroxy esters under heterogeneous catalysis: A regioselective preparation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates

A general, efficient and environmentally benign approach for the regioselective preparation of allylic acetates derived from α-methylene-β-hydroxy esters (Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts) is described. This simple procedure employs recyclable solid catalysts under solvent-free conditions and avoids the use of harmful reagents such as pyridine or strongly acidic additives.