Abstract A novel catalytic system, the complex of antimony (V) chloride (SbCl 5) and benzyltriethylammonium chloride (TEBA), C 6 H 5 CH 2 NEt 3 (SbCl 5) 2 Cl complex, is described for Friedel–Crafts acylation reactions of aromatics with acyl and sulfonyl chlorides. The catalyst has a number of useful characteristics, such as ready access, minimal toxicity, reusability, insensitivity to atmosphere and moisture, rapid acylation with high yield, and ...