A Fast and Efficient Deprotection of Aldehydes from Acylals Using a Wells‐Dawson Heteropolyacid Catalyst (H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ · 24H₂O)

Abstract

A rapid and efficient method for the deprotection of aldehyde 1,1‐diacetates is described. The reaction was carried out using a Wells‐Dawson type catalyst supported on silica. The catalyst, used in 1% molar quantity, is easily recoverable and reusable and maintains the activity after its use in four consecutive reaction batches. The yield of the deprotection was 92–100% (15 examples including nitrobenzaldehyde 1,1‐diacetates). Reaction conditions involve short times and the use of toluene as the solvent; isolation is simple and the products are nearly pure.

Keywords:

• Acylal
• Aldehyde
• 1,1‐Diacetate
• Heteropolyacid
• Protecting group
• Wells‐Dawson catalyst

Acknowledgments

The authors thank to CONICET (Argentina) and Universidad Nacional de La Plata for financial support. HJT, GPR, and GB are members of CONICET.