One of the main tasks of contemporary industrial
chemistry is the search for catalysts for the production
of fine and intermediate chemicals [1]. Friedel-Crafts
acylation reactions lead to aromatic ketones, which are
important intermediates in a very wide field of chemistry,
including pharmacologicals, dyes, fragrances
and agrochemicals, such as fungicides, herbicides and
insecticides. Many of the industrial processes still use
HF or AlCl3 as catalysts for this kind of reaction,
producing a high amount of contaminated waste.
Considering the ecological and economical problems
associated with waste management in most civilised
countries , an alternative, salt free synthesis would
be of high interest