A succinimide-N-sulfonic acid catalyst for acetylation reactions in absence of a solvent

A small amount of succinimide- N -sulfonic acid efficiently catalyzed the acetylation of a variety alcohols, phenols, thiols, amines and aldehydes with acetic anhydride at room temperature under solvent free conditions. This catalyst has the advantages of excellent yields and short reaction times and the reaction can be carried out on a large scale, which makes it potentially useful for industrial applications. Succinimide- N -sulfonic acid was prepared by a simple route and shown to be an efficient catalyst for the acetylation of a variety alcohols, phenols, thiols, amines, and aldehydes with acetic anhydride at room temperature under solvent free conditions.