Palladium-catalyzed cleavage of O/N-propargyl protecting groups in aqueous media under a copper-free condition

A copper-free palladium-mediated cleavage of O/N-propargyl bonds in aqueous media has been investigated, affording a mild and convenient method for the deprotection of phenols and anilines. The methodology could be utilized for the selective removal of propargyl groups from aryl ethers and amines without affecting a variety of unprotected functional groups present in the substrates. The mechanism and scope of the reaction is discussed.