Acylation of sydnones using metal triflate catalysts

Abstract

<p>In a comparative study, various homogeneous metal triflates have been used as catalysts in the acylation of 3-phenylsydnone with acetic anhydride. Reactions were performed initially under thermal conditions overnight and monitored by thin layer chromatography for completion. When optimal conditions were achieved, these predetermined parameters were employed for "scaled-up" reactions, with the modification that they were performed under microwave irradiation, which gave better yields of the acylated product in shorter amounts of time. Thermal reactions took overnight to react while microwave reactions took 30 minutes. Future work includes testing the efficiency of other metal triflate catalysts, expanding the study to different parent sydnones, and utilizing various other anhydrides. The scope and limitations of the present findings will be enumerated.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>