Synthesis of new pentacyclo[5.4.0.0(2,6).0(3,10).0(5,9)]undecane-8,11-dione (PCU) cyanosilylated derivatives using sulphated zirconia and hydrotalcite as catalysts in microwave-assisted reactions under solvent free conditions.

A comparison was made of the effectiveness of the functionalization reactions of pentacyclo[5.4.0.0(2,6).0(3,10).0(5,9)]undecane-8,11-dione (PCU) using sulphated zirconia in protection-deprotection reactions and Mg/Al hydrotalcite in a cyanosilylation reaction, under classical thermal conditions and imposing microwave radiation; improved yields and reaction times were considered.

Sulphated zirconia as an eco-friendly catalyst in acylal preparation under solvent-free conditions, acylal deprotection assisted by microwaves, and the synthesis of anhydro-dimers of o-hydroxybenzaldehydes.

A solvent-free approach is described for the regioselective synthesis of acylals (1,1-diacetates) in shorter reaction times and higher yields, compared to conventional methodology using solvents. In the protection reaction of the o-hydroxybenzaldehyde the formation of acetyl compounds and anhydro-dimers was observed. The deprotection reaction involves microwave (MW) exposure of diluted reactants in the presence of solid sulphated zirconia (SZ) catalyst that can be easily recovered and reused. The sulphated zirconia was recycled several times without any loss of activity.