G Model
CRAS2C-3703; No. of Pages 7
2
F. Shirini et al. / C. R. Chimie xxx (2013) xxx–xxx
Among the many protecting groups for alcohols,
phenols, amines and thiols, acetate is used with high
frequency. The acetylation is typically performed using
acetic anhydride in the presence of either base [20–23] or
acid catalysts [24–43]. Although various acetylation
methods are available, most have one or more drawbacks,
including long reaction times, harsh conditions, harmful
organic solvents, and tedious work-up procedures. One of
the most promising solutions to these problems seems to
be the use of green and insoluble catalysts or of eco-
friendly solvent-free conditions. When an insoluble cata-
lyst is used, it can be separated easily by filtration and
recycled. Furthermore, the reported examples have
demonstrated that heterogeneous catalysts typically
require easier work-up procedures. Also, solvent-free
synthetic methods are valuable for environmental and
economical reasons [44–46].
methods reported in the literature [55,56]; silica (14.2%),
cellulose (27.4%), hemicelluloses (18.3%), lignin (25.8%),
inorganic residue (5.8%), solubles (3.5%) and moisture (5%).
The catalyst is also characterized using different
methods, including infrared (IR), scanning electron mi-
croscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray
fluorescence (XRF) analysis, as reported in the literature
[57].
2.3. Trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols; general
procedure
To a stirring mixture of the substrate (alcohol and/or
phenol) (1 mmol), and RiH (0.08 g) in CH3CN (3 mL), HMDS
(0.75 mmol, 0.120 g) was added at room temperature. The
progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After
completion of the reaction, the mixture was filtered and
the residue was washed with acetonitrile (5 mL). Evapora-
tion of the solvent gave almost pure product(s). Further
purification proceeded by bulb-to-bulb distillation under
reduced pressure or re-crystallization to afford pure silyl
ether.
In recent years, the use of green reagents in organic
reactions has attracted the attention of many organic
chemists. This attention can be attributed to the reduction
of environmental pollution and the cost of the applied
methods.
Rice husk, as a thin but abrasive skin in nature, which
covers the edible rice kernel, contains cellulose, hemicel-
lulose, lignin, silica, solubles, and moisture [47,48]. The
worldwide annual rice husk output is about 80 million tons
and over 97% of the husk is generated in developing
countries [49]. In the course of decades, rice husk has found
different applications in chemistry and industry. For
example, unmodified rice husk has been evaluated for
its ability to bind zinc(II) and other metal ions [50,51]. On
the other hand, various modifications have been done on
rice husk in order to enhance its sorption capacities for
metal ions and other pollutants [52,53]. In addition, both
rice husk and rice husk ash are used as potential raw
materials in ceramics, cements and silica-based industries
[54].
2.4. N-Boc protection of amines; general procedure
The substrate (1 mmol) was added to a magnetically
stirred mixture of RiH (0.05 g) and (Boc)2O (1 mmol,
0.218 g) at room temperature. After completion of the
reaction (TLC), the mixture was diluted with EtOAc (10 mL)
and filtered. Evaporation of the solvent by column
chromatography (silica-gel) followed; eluting with EtOAc
in n-hexane (5–15%) gave the desired product in good to
high yields.
2.5. Acetylation of alcohols, phenols and thiols; general
procedure
A mixture of the substrate (alcohol, phenol and/or thiol)
(1 mmol), acetic anhydride (3 mmol) and RiH (0.3 g) was
stirred at 80 8C. After completion of the reaction (TLC),
EtOAc (15 mL) was added and the catalyst was filtered The
organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO3 and
water (3 Â 15 mL), and dried over anhydrous MgSO4.
Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure gave
the almost pure acetates.
2. Experimental
2.1. General
Chemicals were purchased from Fluka, Merck, and
Aldrich chemical companies. All yields refer to the isolated
products. Determination of the purity of the substrate and
monitoring of the reaction were accomplished by thin-
layer chromatography (TLC) on a silica-gel polygram SILG/
UV 254 plates.
2.6. Acetylation of amines; general procedure
A mixture of the substrate (1 mmol), acetic anhydride
(3 mmol) and RiH (0.15 g) was stirred at room temperature.
After completion of the reaction (TLC), EtOAc (15 mL) was
added and the catalyst was filtered. The organic layer was
washed with saturated NaHCO3 and water (3 Â 15 mL), and
dried over anhydrous MgSO4. Evaporation of the solvent
under reduced pressure gave the almost pure acetates.
2.2. Preparation of rice husk
The rice sample which was used in this study was
named as Hassani and was obtained from Rasht (Guilan
Province) in the north of Iran. Prior to use, the rice husk
sample was washed several times with distilled water to
remove any adhering materials and dried at room
temperature for 48 h. The dried RiH was smashed and
sieved (80–170 mesh size), washed with distilled water
and dried at 110 8C for 4 h. We have determined the main
components of the rice husk sample as follows, using the
3. Results and discussion
Very recently, we reported the preparation and
applicability of rice-husk-supported FeCl3 nano particles
in the promotion of the acylation of aldehydes and
Please cite this article in press as: Shirini F, et al. Rice husk: Introduction of a green, cheap and reusable catalyst for the