Catalytic Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene, chlorobenzene, and fluorobenzene using a novel catalyst system, hafnium triflate and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00881-8

Catalytic Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene and unactivated benzenes such as chlorobenzene and fluorobenzene has been successfully carried out using hafnium (IV) triflate and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as catalysts. Both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acid chlorides reacted smoothly under the conditions to afford the corresponding aromatic ketones in good yields.