Synthesis of 1,3-benzodioxoles by catalysis of HY zeolite

The acetalization and ketalization of various aldehydes and ketones with catechol by using HY zeolite as catalyst were studied. Effect of reaction time, mole ratio of reactants and amount of catalyst on yield of benzodioxoles were investigated. The results showed that HY was an efficient catalyst for the acetalization and ketalization with high conversion and selectivity in mild conditions. The optimum reaction condition is: molar ratio of catechol to aldehydes or ketones 1:1.0, catalyst amount 2.5g/1 mol catechol, reaction time 4h. Under those conditions, conversion and selectivity were over 57% and 97%, respectively.