Cobalt(II)-catalyzed direct acetylation of alcohols with acetic acid

Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O) efficiently catalyzes the acetylation of alcohols with AcOH in high yields. This protocol is also effective with other carboxylic acids, trifluoroacetic acid, propanoic acid, phenylacetic acid and benzoic acid, affording the corresponding acylated products in moderate to good yields. Removal of water is not necessary in these reactions. The catalyst can be filtered and recycled without loss of activity.