Abstract Copper (II) tetrafluoroborate efficiently catalyzes acetylation of structurally diverse phenols, alcohols, thiols, and amines with stoichiometric amounts of Ac 2 O under solvent- free conditions at room temperature. Acid-sensitive alcohols are smoothly acetylated without competitive side reactions. The reaction is influenced by the steric and electronic factors associated with the substrate as well as the anhydride. Acetylation of a sterically hindered ...
