Cleavage of benzyl ethers by triphenylphosphine hydrobromide

Triphenylphosphine hydrobromide was found to cleave the benzyl ethers derived from 1°, 2° alkyl, and aryl alcohols to the corresponding alcohols and benzyltriphenylphosphonium bromide in good yields. Alkene and allyl phosphonium salts were produced from the benzyl ethers with 3° alkyl and allyl groups, respectively. These results indicate that the formation of the product is determined by the relative stability of the carbocationic intermediate. The anhydrous, stoichiometric amount of PPh₃·HBr offers a new and effective method for the deprotection of benzyl ethers.