Nano-BF3.SiO2: A reusable and eco-friendly catalyst for thioacetalization and trans-thioacetalization reactions

Nano-silica supported boron trifluoride (BF3.SiO2) is an efficient, reusable and eco-friendly catalyst for chemoselective thioacetalization of aldehydes and ketones. So, this catalyst was applied for transthioacetalization of acetals and acylals into their corresponding 1,3-dithiolanes or 1,3-dithianes in good to excellent yields. The reactions were carried out at room temperature under solvent free and grinding conditions in 1.5-2.5 minutes.