What is "acylal"

n. (context organic chemistry English) Any diester of a geminal diol; R₂C(OCOR')₂.

Acylals in organic chemistry are a group of chemical compounds sharing a functional group with the general structure R-C(OOCR). Acylals can be obtained by reaction of aldehydes with acetic anhydride and a suitable catalyst for instance with sulfated zirconia at low temperatures when used as protective groups for aldehydes. High temperature exposure converts the acylal back to the aldehyde.