Novel catalytic acetylation of alcohols with Preyssler's anion, [NaP5Wa30O110]14-

Sodium 30-tungstopentaphosphate, the so-called Preyssler's anion with a formula of [NaP5W30O110](14-) (I) catalyzes the acetylation of alcohols (CnH2n+1OH, n = 2, 3, 4, 5) with acetic acid. High yield is obtained with I as pure acid or supported on silica. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts are discussed and compared. H-14[NaP5W30O110], abbreviated as H-14-P-5, under homogeneous conditions, as well as supported on silica (heterogeneous conditions) is found to be an excellent catalyst. Our data indicate that, when the ammonium salt of I is employed as the catalyst, the yield increases as the alcohol carbon-chain is increased. This behavior is found to be quite general. The catalysts can be easily recovered and recycled with retention of their initial structure and activity.