Zirconium(IV) chloride catalyzed new and efficient protocol for the selective cleavage of p-methoxybenzyl ethers.

A highly selective and efficient method for the unmasking of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers and esters has been developed by use of 20 mol % of zirconium(IV) chloride as Lewis acid in acetonitrile. The present method is very fast, and the conditions are tolerable to a variety of acid/base-sensitive protecting groups and substrates such as carbohydrates, terpenes, and amino acids. The products are obtained in good to high yields.