Protection of the carbonyl group as 1,2,4-trioxane and its regeneration under basic conditions.

[chemical reaction: see text]. An experimental protocol demonstrating the protection of the carbonyl group as 1,2,4-trioxane, the stability of the protecting group under a variety of reaction conditions, and the regeneration of the carbonyl group with Triton B in THF at room temperature is presented. The method provides a useful alternative for the protection of carbonyl compounds having acid-sensitive moieties.