OXIDATIVE DEBENZYLATION OF 4-METHOXY-α-METHYLBENZYL ESTERS

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)97992-9

4-Methoxy-α-methylbenzyl alcohol was introduced as a new protecting group for carboxylic acids. 4-Methoxy-α-methyl benzyl esters obtained from the coupling of 4-methoxy-α-methylbenzyl alcohol and corresponding acids, were hydrolyzed in good yield by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ).This process is compatible with several functional groups which are vulnerable to the reductive debenzylation reaction.