Yb(OTf)₃-Catalyzed and Di-tert-butyl Dicarbonate-Mediated Decarboxylative Etherification and Esterification Reactions

Abstract

Protecting group chemistry has invariably captured the fascination of chemists because of its extensive viability in chemical synthesis. The present report describes our pioneer work of applying ytterbium triflate as a catalyst, for the reaction of alcohols with di- tert -butyl dicarbonate (Boc 2 O) leading to the formation of tert -butyl ethers. There exists no recorded evidence for the use of Yb(OTf) 3 as a catalyst for the protection of alcohols to tert -butyl ethers, despite its excellent utility in various reactions. Yb(OTf) 3 has been used predominantly in the catalytic deprotection studies such as selective deprotection of tert -butyl esters to carboxylic acids as well as prenyl ethers to alcohols. This study involved the critical evaluation of solvent, time, and temperature that finally led to an efficient protocol for the formation of tert -butyl ethers. Yb(OTf) 3 catalyzed the formation of tert -butyl ethers, notably reducing the reaction time, which is exemplified by the achievement of up to 92% conversion of alcohols to tert -butyl ethers within an hour. Additionally, the report demonstrates the utility of this synthetic protocol for the protection of carboxylic acids.

Capturing Rare-Earth Elements by Synthetic Aluminosilicate MCM-22: Mechanistic Understanding of Yb(III) Capture

“…Rare-earth elements (REEs), possessing unique electronic and magnetic properties, constitute an indispensable group of elements essential across various fields, such as electronic devices, permanent magnets, sensors, and catalysts. − While the global demand for REEs continues to increase, , the worldwide reserves of these elements remain limited . Moreover, the recovery of REEs from their natural deposits and various secondary feedstocks, and subsequent separation face major challenges due to their similar physicochemical properties .…”

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Additive‐Free C−H Ethoxycarbonylation of (Hetero)Arenes with Diethyl Dicarbonate as a CO Surrogate

“…Replacing 2 with diethyl carbonate ( 6) failed to provide the desired product, revealing that diethyl carbonate can not participate in the reaction. [24] Based on the literature [25] and our preliminary studies, we proposed the reaction mechanism shown in Scheme 4. The reaction is likely initiated by oxidative addition of the CÀ O bond of 2 to rhodium(I) species A followed by extrusion of CO 2 .…”