Fluorous dimethylthiocarbamate (DMTC) protecting groups for alcohols

N,N-Bis(perfluoroalkyl)thiocarbamoyl chlorides (^FDMTC-Cls) were synthesized as reagent for the protection of alcohols. Using the crystalline ^FDMTC-Cls, the ^FDMTC groups were introduced into the alcohol molecules in excellent yields in the presence of sodium hydride in THF at room temperature. The products were separated from the excess alcohols by solid-phase extraction with a fluorous reverse-phase silica gel column (Fluorous Solid Phase Extraction; FSPE). The ^FDMTC groups were readily removed by oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) and subsequent hydrolysis with KHCO₃.