A green approach to chemoselective <i style="">N</i>-acetylation of amines using catalytic amount of zinc acetate in acetic acid under microwave irradiation

Abstract

It has been found for the first time that zinc acetate alone can act as a selective <i style="">N</i>-acetylating agent without any solvent under closed vessel microwave irradiation. It is also observed that the use of a catalytic amount of this reagent in acetic acid is sufficient enough for smooth running of <i style="">N</i>-acetylation of a number of structurally diverse amines, and the reaction is chemoselective with respect to phenols, thiols, acids and alcohols. Herein is reported a simple, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative method for chemoselective <i style="">N</i>-acetylation of amines using catalytic amount of zinc acetate in acetic acid under microwave irradiation.&nbsp; The reaction procedure requires no other solvent, and is rapid with good to excellent yields.