BiCl3-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts acylation reactions: bismuth(III) oxychloride as a water insensitive and recyclable procatalyst

The Friedel–Crafts acylation of activated and polycyclic aromatics is efficiently catalyzed by bismuth(III) chloride which is generated in situ from bismuth(III) oxychloride, a water insensitive and eco-friendly material. Bismuth(III) oxychloride is easily recovered in near quantitative yields after an aqueous work-up.