Deacylation of Esters, Thioesters and Amides by a Naphthalene-Catalysed Lithiation

Abstract

The reaction of different esters, thioesters and amides derived from pivalic, benzoic and 4-tert-butylbenzoic acids with an excess of lithium and a catalytic amount of naphthalene (8 mol%) led, after methanolysis, to the corresponding alcohols, thiols and amines, respectively, through a reductive non-hydrolytic procedure. This methodology represents a reasonable alternative to other non-reductive protocols.

Key words

esters - thioesters - amides - deacylation - lithium

References

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