I don't think you can acetylate a phenol in aqueous media. All of the references refer to acetic anhydride & pyridine (although I guess TEA will also work) is needed. I've seen posts in which sulfuric acid and AA are used, but they all share one thing in common. AA. AA reacts with water (exothermally) .
Even modern patents use AA.
patents.justia.com
Even modern patents use AA.
Patents Assigned to NextLeaf Solutions Ltd. - Justia Patents Search
Justia - Patents - Patents and Patent Application Resources
