Oxidative debenzylation of N-benzyl amides and O-benzyl ethers using alkali metal bromide.

The oxidative debenzylation of N-benzyl amides and O-benzyl ethers was promoted with high efficiency by a bromo radical formed through the oxidation of bromide from alkali metal bromide under mild conditions. This reaction provided the corresponding amides from N-benzyl amides and carbonyl compounds from O-benzyl ethers in high yields.