Phospho sulfonic acid as an efficient and recyclable solid acid catalyst for the solvent-free preparation of acylals

Phospho sulfonic acid (PSA) acts as a highly effective and reusable catalyst for the chemo-selective protection of aldehydes with acetic anhydride under solvent-free conditions. The desirable features of this new catalytic methodology include its sustainability, effectiveness in the absence of solvent, a facile work-up procedure, and economic viability. PSA is fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The catalyst can be reused several times without significant loss of activity. In addition, no chromatographic separations are needed to obtain the desired products.