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Abstract

Introduction

Microwave-assisted organic synthesis is increasingly sought as a strategy to accelerate organic synthesis while minimizing waste. This study aimed to develop a rapid, scalable, and environmentally friendly protocol for acetylating both primary and secondary alcohols using ethyl acetate as both a solvent and an acetylating agent.

Methods

Reactions were performed in a microwave reactor (300 W, 120 °C, 5 min) with p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA, 0.1 – 0.2 equiv.) as a catalyst. Twenty-six representative alcohols (twenty-one primary and five secondary) were examined under optimized conditions. The conversions were quantified and confirmed using 1H NMR spectroscopy, and ethanol generated in situ was identified as the sole by-product.

Results

Acetylation of primary alcohols yielded conversions of 67–94%, while secondary alcohols showed 78–91% conversion. The reaction time was 5 minutes.

Discussion

This protocol surpasses existing methods in both speed and atom economy, with ethyl acetate serving a dual role that obviates the use of halogenated solvents and acetic anhydride. However, tertiary alcohols exhibited no to minimal conversion under these acetylation conditions.

Conclusion

Microwave-accelerated, p-TSA-catalyzed acetylation using ethyl acetate affords high yields within five minutes and generates minimal waste. The method presents a practical and sustainable alternative for the synthesis of acetate esters in both academic and industrial settings.

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2025-09-08
2025-11-02

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Microwave-Assisted Acetylation of Alcohols Using Acidic Ethyl Acetate in Five Minutes
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0122133356395703250824182737
/content/journals/cmic/10.2174/0122133356395703250824182737
/content/journals/cmic/10.2174/0122133356395703250824182737
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Supplements

Supplementary material, including general procedures and some representative 1H NMR spectra of the synthesized product, is available on the publisher's website along with the published article.

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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: ethyl acetate ; primary alcohols ; Microwave reaction ; organic synthesis ; secondary alcohols ; acetylation

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