Prenyl carbamates: preparation and deprotection

Prenyloxycarbonylimidazole (PreocIm) and prenyl p-nitrophenyl carbonate (PreocOC₆H₄p-NO₂), two substitutes for the unstable prenyl chloroformate, allowed an efficient introduction of the prenyloxycarbonyl group to a variety of primary and secondary amines. Deprotection of prenyl carbamates was readily achieved by, first their conversion to 2-iodo-3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl carbamates with iodine in methanol followed by reductive β-elimination with zinc powder. These reaction conditions are compatible with the presence of a number of functional groups such as Boc and Cbz carbamates, sulfides, double bonds, indoles and aromatic ethers.