Highly efficient conversion of aldehydes to geminal diacetates (solvent-free) and their deprotection using facile and reusable molybdenum and tungsten polyoxometalates

Abstract

Keggin-type supported polyoxometalates (supported-H3PW12O40 and H3PMo12O40) were found to be efficient catalysts for preparation of 1,1-diacetates under solvent-free conditions. Deprotection of the resulting 1,1-diacetates were achieved using the same catalysts in acetonitrile solvent. This new method consistently has the advantage of excellent yields and short reaction times. Further, the catalysts can be reused for several times but they will be less active. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.