K2CO3-Catalyzed highly efficient O and N-Acylation under mild conditions

An eco-friendly, mild and efficient acylation of various nucleophiles with alkenyl carboxylates via inorganic base catalysis is described. Among five inorganic base species examined, K2CO3 was proved to be the most efficient catalyst for the acylation. A broad variety of acylated products were achieved within 15 min at room temperature in high yields. In addition, we found that the 3-position of indoles should have a suitable substituent group under this procedure.