Chemoselective Synthesis of 1,1-Diacetates from Aldehydes Using Anhydrous Cobalt(II) Bromide Under Solvent-Free Conditions

A mild and efficient method has been developed for the chemoselective preparation of 1,1-diacetates (acylals) from aldehydes catalyzed in the presence of a catalytic amount (0.1 mmol) of anhydrous cobalt(II) bromide under solvent-free conditions. The remarkable selectivity under mild and neutral conditions, excellent yields, short reaction time, and easily available and inexpensive catalyst are important features of this method.