Zeolite based catalytic process for preparation of acylated aromatic ethers

A zeolite based catalytic process for the production of acylated aromatic ethers, said process comprising the steps of:—

• a. reacting an aromatic ether selected from a group comprising of anisole and veratrole with an acylating agent at temperature in the range of 80-120° C. for time period in the range of 1 to 8 hours without using any solvent, in the presence of rare earth exchanged zeolite catalyst having general formula:
• M2/nO.Al2O3.xSiO2.wH2O
• wherein:
• M is an alkali and/or lanthanide cation or proton;
• n is valency of M;
• x is in the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio which is in the range of 3 to 24;
• W is the weight of water adsorbed which is in the range of 1 to 20%;
• Si/Al ratio is in the range of 5.5 to 20;
• aromatic ether to catalyst ratio is in the range of 1:3 to 1:5;
• to form an acylated aromatic ether in reaction mixture;
• b. separating the zeolite catalyst from the reaction mixture of step (a);
• and
• c. separating the acylated aromatic ether from the mixture of step (b).