Co3O4: An Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Acetylation of Amines

The selective protection of amines has attracted more attention for its fundamental importance and also for its role in multistep synthesis [1]. This important transformation is typically performed using acetic anhydride andformic acidin the presence of either basic or acidic catalysts. Numerous catalytic systems are available for acetylation and formylation of amines [2,3], but most of these have used homogeneous catalysts and non‐recoverable, and they have the disadvantages of prolonged reaction time, low yields, harsh conditions, use of harmful organic solvents, tedious work‐up procedures, excessive reagents or catalysts, and the use of explosive, moisture‐sensitive, or expensive catalysts. In this work, we have used Co3O4 as a heterogeneous catalyst for acetylation and formylation of amines in the presence of acetic anhydride andformic acidunder solvent‐free conditions at room temperature.