Chemoselective acetylation of amines and thiols using monodispersed Ni-nanoparticles.

We report here a method by which Ni-nanoparticles can be used efficiently to catalyze the acetylation of a variety of amines and thiols under ambient conditions at room temperature. However in a competitive reaction, the thiol was acetylated selectively while the amine remained almost unaffected. The demonstrated chemoselectivity could have multiple potential synthetic applications. Some of the major advantages of this method are high yields, selectivity, short reaction times (<40 min), ease of operation, and compatibility with other protecting groups. Additionally, the process reported is environmentally benign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]