Lanthanide bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amides vs. trifluoromethylsulfonates as catalysts for Friedel–Crafts acylations

Abstract The use of catalytic amounts: 1 mol% or less of perfluoroalkyl lanthanide salts as homogeneous catalysts for Friedel–Crafts acylations in non-hazardous solvents is thereafter investigated. Lanthanide bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amides are better catalysts than the triflate analogues towards the acetylation of activated aromatic rings.