Transformation of ethers into aldehydes or ketones: a catalytic aerobic deprotection/oxidation pathway

A facile and efficient protocol for direct transformation of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers to aldehydes or ketones via a catalytic aerobic oxidation process has been developed. The reaction was performed with the combination of catalytic amounts of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxy (TEMPO), and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN), with molecular oxygen as terminal oxidant. A variety of PMB ether substrates derived from benzylic alcohols, heteroaromatic alcohols, and aliphatic alcohols, were converted to their corresponding carbonyl compounds in good conversions and selectivities.