Rapid acetylation of a dihydroxy compound by 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine catalysis: application to GLC determination of clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride.

The acetylation of clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride, preparatory to GLC assay, was accelerated greatly by the use of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine as a catalyst. The reaction time was reduced from 2.5 hr at 100 degrees using pyridine and acetic anhydride to 30 min or less at ambient temperature upon addition of excess catalyst.