Metal-assisted reactions. Part 20. Catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of phenolic C-O bonds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)97960-7

After conversion of phenols into O-pseudosaccharyl ethers (2) catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis with Pd/C catalyst and sodium phosphinate as hydrogen donor gave arenes (ArH) in good yield. As an example of the application of this reaction in synthesis, oestrone was onverted into oestratrienone in a high yielding, one step reaction.