Part 148 in the Series “Studies on Novel Synthetic Methodologies:” Selective Acetylation of Alcohols, Phenols and Amines and Selective Deprotection of Aromatic Acetates using Silica‐Supported Phosphomolybdic Acid

Abstract An environmentally friendly silica‐supported phosphomolybdic acid was found to be a highly efficient catalyst for the selective acetylation of alcohols, phenols and amines in the absence of any solvent and also for the chemoselective deprotection of aromatic acetates under very mild conditions. This method has been used for the protection of the hydroxy groups as well as for the deprotection of the acetates of several naturally occurring bioactive phenolic compounds. The catalyst can be easily recovered and reused.