Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole with propionic anhydride over mesoporous superacid catalyst UDCaT-5

The synthesis of 4-methoxypropiophenone, an intermediate for the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, was carried out via Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole with propionic anhydride by using various solid acid catalysts. The reactions were carried out under solvent-free conditions. A novel mesoporous superacid catalyst UDCaT-5 developed in our laboratory was the most active, selective and robust. The conversion of propionic anhydride and selectivity for 4-methoxypropiophenone at an anisole to propionic anhydride mole ratio of 5:1, using UDCaT-5 (0.05 g/cm(3)) at 383 K were 57% and 98.6%, respectively. The effects of various reaction parameters on the rate of reaction and selectivity were investigated to deduce the intrinsic kinetics of the reaction. Based on the experimental data, a suitable kinetic model was developed and it follows the Eley-Rideal mechanism. The results are novel. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.