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

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--butyl dicarbonate (BocO) leading to the formation of -butyl ethers. There exists no recorded evidence for the use of Yb(OTf) as a catalyst for the protection of alcohols to -butyl ethers, despite its excellent utility in various reactions.