Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4′-isobutylacetophenone from isobutylbenzene which comprises reactions isobutyl benzene with acetic anhydride as an acylating agent in the presence of a zeolite beta catalyst at a temperature ranges between 60 to 165° C. for 2-12 h separating the catalyst by filtration from the reaction mixture and recovering the product by a conventional method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of the acyl heteroaromatic compounds useful as important intermediates for drugs, pharmaceuticals and flavouring agents, said process comprising reacting an heteroaromatic compound selected from furan, thiophene and pyrrole with a C2-C5 acid anhydride as an acylating agent employing metal ion exchanged clays as catalysts at temperatures in the range of 0-130° C. for a period of 1-24 h, and separating the acyl heteroaromatic compound by a conventional method to obtain a product of high purity.