One-Pot Four-Component Dakin-West Synthesis of β-Acetamido Ketones Catalyzed by a Vanadium-Substituted Heteropolyacid

The multicomponent condensation of an aryl aldehyde, acetyl chloride, acetonitrile, and enolizable ketone as one-pot synthesis of beta-acetamido ketones in high yields was investigated using commercial, non-corrosive, and environmentally benign Keggin and Wells-Dawson heteropolyacid catalysts. The best catalyst was H5PW10V2O40. The methodology used simple experimental conditions, and the short reaction times and high yields indicate it is a useful strategy for the large scale synthesis of beta-acetamido ketones.