Full and partial differentiation of tris-1,1,1-(hydroxymethyl)ethane via direct and indirect methodology

Tris-1,1,1-(hydroxymethyl)ethane 1 was converted to a series of mono- and disubstituted derivatives. An indirect protocol for the differentiation of the alcohol groups was employed for the synthesis of partially and fully differentiated 1 containing a protected aldehyde unit. Complete differentiation of the alcohol groups was also achieved using a direct strategy (two steps from 1). The first synthesis of 1,3-dialdehydes derived from 1 is reported in two steps.