A selective and operationally simple approach for removal of methoxy-, allyloxy-, and benzyloxycarbonyl groups from carbinols

LiI in refluxing pyridine can remove within a few hours methoxy-, allyloxy-, and benzyloxycarbonyl groups from saccharidic carbinols under conditions compatible with the maintenance of acyl groups. Addition of a stoichiometric excess of acetic acid to the reaction mixture minimizes or even suppresses intramolecular transesterifications. The procedure broadens the scope of some alkoxycarbonyl groups in organic synthesis.