In an effort to explore greener and more efficient methods for the synthesis useful molecules, we have examined the use silica sulfuric acid in the synthesis of diarylacetic acids from glyoxylic acid.  Using the solid-state catalyst silica sulfuric acid offered green advantages because it can be removed by filtration and eliminates extra solvents needed for acid-base, which in turn lowers cost and reduces hazardous waste.  In addition, the catalyst can be reused once it has been filtered and dried.  The reaction conditions were optimized for a series of substituted anisoles, with special attention to yield and regioselectivity.  Finding the most effective procedure to make the different diarylacetic acid derivatives included testing variables such as time, temperature, solvent, and the solvent amount.  Future work will focus on the use of additional differentially substituted aromatic rings in an effort to determine the extent of the reaction scope.

Silica sulfuric acid as a catalyst for the synthesis of diarylacetic acids

247th National Meeting (2014)

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