The regioselective mono-deprotection of 1,3-dioxa-2,2-(di-tert-butyl)-2-silacyclohexanes with BF3*SMe2

The selective mono-deprotection of di-tert-butylsilylene ethers prepared from substituted 1,3-pentanediols and 2,4-hexanediols has been achieved with BF3*SMe2. The reaction conditions are compatible with esters, allyl ethers, and TIPS ethers. The resulting di-tert-butylfluorosilyl ethers are stable to various conditions including low pH aqueous solutions and silica gel chromatography; the di-tert-butylfluorosilyl ethers are readily cleaved with HF-pyridine. Substrate stereochemistry and conformation influences the efficiency of the deprotection, while the deprotection regiochemistry is consistent with coordination of boron to the sterically more accessible oxygen prior to intramolecular delivery of fluoride.