preparation of acetanilide

**westdivo** · Nov27-09, 03:03 AM

In the preparation of acetanilide why is it that zinc dust is used?

**Borek** · Nov27-09, 03:42 AM

Not having even the slightest idea about organics - zinc is used almost always because of its reducing properties. I would dig here.

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**alxm** · Nov27-09, 04:00 AM

Acetanilide is typically synthesized from acetic anhydride and aniline.
Zinc isn't required, but it aids acetylation. (for reasons Borek mentioned, as it's a reducing agent)