Iron(III) tosylate-catalyzed deprotection of aromatic acetals in water

The deprotection of aromatic as well as conjugated acetals and ketals in water is catalyzed by iron(III) tosylate (1.0-5.0 mol %). Iron(III) tosylate is an inexpensive and readily available catalyst. The use of water, the most environmentally benign solvent, makes this procedure especially attractive for acetal deprotection. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.