Catalytic acylation of aromatics with carboxylic anhydrides over sulfated zirconia

Two sulfated zirconia samples have been synthesized using different prepara tion procedures. Textural and acid properties of these catalysts have been characterized and compared with commercial zeolite H beta by means of nitro gen low-temperature adsorption, temperature-programmed desorption of ammoni a and microcalorimetry. The two sulfated zirconias proved to be appropriate catalysts for acylations of aromatic compounds containing electron donatin g substituents, e.g., for syntheses of several aromatic ketones.