A mild and efficient method for the chemoselective trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols and deprotection of silyl ethers using sulfonic acid-functionalized ordered nanoporous Na+-montmorillonite

Sulfonic acid-functionalized ordered nanoporous Na+-montmorillonite (SANM), is easily prepared by the reaction of Na+-montmorillonite with chlorosulfonic acid. This reagent acts as a highly efficient and reusable catalyst for the chemoselective trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols and deprotection of silyl ethers under mild and completely heterogeneous reaction conditions.

► Preparation and characterization of SANM.
► Application of SANM for trimethylsilylation of alcohols.
► Catalysis under mild conditions at room temperature.
► Heterogeneous catalysis and recyclability of the catalyst.