Metal Benzenesulfonates/Acetic Acid Mixtures as Novel Catalytic Systems: Application to the Protection of a Hydroxyl Group

A surprising synergistic effect has been discovered in mixtures of metal benzenesulfonates (Co, Al, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pr, La, Cu, Mn) and acetic acid, leading to active catalytic systems for the tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols and phenols to produce tetrahydropyranyl ethers. All reactions proceed mildly and efficiently with moderate to high yields at room temperature without solvent. After the reaction, the metal benzenesulfonate can be easily recovered and reused many times. The efficiency of these systems might result from the "double activation" by Bronsted and Lewis acid catalysis.