Solvent-free N-Boc deprotection by ex situ generation of hydrogen chloride gas

Org Biomol Chem. 2021 Jul 14;19(26):5782-5787. doi: 10.1039/d1ob00728a. Epub 2021 May 11.

Abstract

An efficient, scalable and sustainable method for the quantitative deprotection of the tert-butyl carbamate (N-Boc) protecting group is described, using down to near-stoichiometric amounts of hydrogen chloride gas in solvent-free conditions. We demonstrate the ex situ generation of hydrogen chloride gas from sodium chloride and sulfuric acid in a two-chamber reactor, introducing a straightforward method for controlled and stoichiometric release of HCl gas. The solvent-free conditions allow deprotection of a wide variety of N-Boc derivatives to obtain the hydrochloride salts in quantitative yields. The procedure obviates the need for any work-up or purification steps providing an uncomplicated green alternative to standard methods. Due to the solvent-free, anhydrous conditions, this method shows high tolerance towards acid sensitive functional groups and furnishes expanded functional group orthogonality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't