Determination of Hydroxy Compounds by 4-Dimethylaminopyridine-Catalyzed Acetylation

4-Dimethylamlnopyridine is an effective catalyst of analytical acylations by acetic anhydride, having a specific catalytic activity about 104 times greater than that of pyridine. The conventional titrimetric determination of hydroxy groups is carried out with 4-dimethylaminopyridine as the catalyst and pyridine as the solvent. Typical reaction times for primary and secondary alcohols are 5–10 min. at 54-70°. 4-Dimethylamlnopyridine is an effective catalyst of analytical acylations by acetic anhydride, having a specific catalytic activity about 104 times greater than that of pyridine. The conventional titrimetric determination of hydroxy groups is carried out with 4-dimethylaminopyridine as the catalyst and pyridine as the solvent. Typical reaction times for primary and secondary alcohols are 5–10 min. at 54-70°.