Acetylation of aromatic ethers using acetic anhydride over solid acid catalysts in a solvent-free system. Scope of the reaction for substituted ethers.

The acetylation of aryl ethers using acetic anhydride in the presence of zeolites under modest conditions in a solvent-free system gave the corresponding para-acetylated products in high yields. The zeolite can be recovered, regenerated and reused to give almost the same yield as that given when fresh zeolite is used.