I have conducted a reaction between a ketone and phenol in presence of acid (HCl).The yield I have got is only ~55% and time line was more than 3 days. But when I used 3-mercaptopropionic acid as a co-catalyst, the yield is increased to 70% and the time line is decreased to ~1 day. What is the mechanism to enhance the reaction by 30mercaptopionic acid. Any one please can help me?