FeOx-pillared bentonite as a highly effective catalyst for the conversion
of epoxides to acetonides was described. The reaction furnished
2,2-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane in quantitative yield with short
reaction time under mild conditions. The reaction worked smoothly
for a wide range of epoxides and carbonyl compounds. The calcination
step was not requited for the reuse of catalyst. Up to five times of this
catalytic system could be achieved without appreciable loss of activity.