Graphitic carbon nitride catalysed photoacetalization of aldehydes/ketones under ambient conditions

Graphitic-C 3 N 4 is shown for the first time to catalyse photoacetalization of aldehydes/ketones with alcohols to acetals in high yields using visible light under ambient conditions; transient charge separation over the material is effective to catalyse the reaction in the absence of Lewis or Brønsted acids, giving a new green alternative catalyst. Photoacetalization of aldehydes/ketones with alcohols over graphitic carbon nitride is demonstrated without any acid additive.