Silica-bonded S-sulfonic acid as a recyclable catalyst for chemoselective synthesis of 1,1-diacetates

A simple and efficient procedure for the preparation of silica-bonded S-sulfonic acid (SBSSA) by reaction of 3-mercaptopropylsilica (MPS) and chlorosulfonic acid in chloroform is described. This solid acid is employed as a recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of 1,1-diacetates from aromatic aldehydes and acetic anhydride under mild and solvent-free conditions at room temperature.