Benzoylation of aryl methyl ether using catalytic system Gd(OTf)3/MSAA

Abstract

The Friedel-Crafts acylation is an important reaction in organic synthesis. Benzoylation of aromatic compounds with benzoic acid as acylating reagent using catalytic system of  Gd(OTf)₃/MSAA was investigated under microwave irradiation. Catalytic system of Gd(OTf)₃/MSAA was found to be an efficient catalyst for Friedel-Crafts benzoylation under mild conditions. In addition, Gd(OTf)₃/MSAA is safe-to-handle, simple  clean work-up and gives good yield.