Catalytic synthesis of butanone 1,2-propanediol ketal with phosphotungstic acid

Catalytic activity of phosphotungstic acid on synthesizing butanone 1,2-propanediol ketal was discussed,the factors influencing the synthesis were discussed and the best conditions were found out. The optimum conditions are as follows: molar ratio of butanone to 1,2-propanediol is 1∶1.75, the quantity of catalyst is equal to 1.75% of reactant,using cyclohexane as carry-water agent and the reaction time is 1.5 h. H_3PW_(12)O_(40) is an excellent catalyst for synthesizing butanone 1,2-propanediol ketal and its yield can reach 73.4%.