Methylthiomethyl ethers: Their use in the protection and methylation of hydroxyl groups

Abstract

Methylthiomethyl ethers are obtained in good yield from primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols by treating them with a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide, acetic anhydride and acetic acid. The methyl- thiomethyl groups are readily removed on heating the compounds with methyl iodide in moist acetone. The methylthiomethyl ethers are converted into methyl ethers by the action of 'nickel boride'.