Convenient tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols and phenols by catalytic ferric sulfate hydrate (Fe2(SO4)3·xH2O)
Ferric sulfate hydrate (Fe2(SO4)3·xH2O) is found to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols and phenols at ambient or near ambient temperature. In addition, selective monotetrahydropyranylation of symmetrical diols is achieved under similar conditions. The deprotection of THP ether and direct transformation of THP ether to the corresponding acetate by Fe2(SO4)3·xH2O is also studied. The simplicity of manipulation, mild conditions, reusable catalyst, good selectivity, and environment benign characters make this method a good alternative way for the THP protection of alcohols.Key words: tetrahydropyranylation, selective monotetrahydropyranylation, ferric sulfate hydrate, green chemistry.