The reaction of acetal-type protective groups in combination with TMSOTf and 2,2′-bipyridyl; mild and chemoselective deprotection and direct conversion to other protective groups

A mild and chemoselective deprotection method of various acetal-type protective groups, such as MOM, MEM, BOM, and SEM ethers, has been developed. The combination of TMSOTf and 2,2′-bipyridyl was very effective for the deprotection, and the reaction proceeded via the formation of pyridinium intermediates, which were hydrolyzed to the corresponding alcohols in good to high yields. The features of this method are mild (almost neutral) reaction conditions and the tolerability of acid-sensitive functional groups. This method is also applicable for the direct conversion of MOM ether to BOM or SEM ether using the appropriate alcohols instead of H₂O.