Zeolite catalyzed acylation of heterocyclic aromatic compounds. I—Acylation of benzofuran

Abstract The acylation of benzofuran by acetic anhydride was carried out in the presence of Y zeolites in the liquid phase (60°C, atmospheric pressure). It is shown that the reaction procedure has a significant influence on the activity of the catalyst. Deactivation takes place but the zeolite can be completely regenerated by reactivation in air. A reaction mechanism is proposed in which the acylium ion adsorbed on the zeolite reacts with non activated benzofuran.