<i>p</i>-Toluenesulfonic Acid Adsorbed on Silica Gel: An Efficient Dehydrating Agent of Alcohols

Abstract

Secondary and tertiary alcohols are efficiently dehydrated by reaction with p-toluenesulfonic acid supported on silica gel. In particular, the procedure allows the direct conversion of 3-hydroxy-steroids into Δ2-olefins or Δ3,5-dienes, without passing through the mesylate or tosylate esters.