Selectivity Adjustment in the Cleavage of Allyl Phenyl and Methyl Phenyl Ethers with Boron Trifluoride-Methyl Sulfide Complex

Abstract

Cleavage of model allyl phenyl and methyl phenyl ethers with boron trifluoride-methyl sulfide complex is described. The demonstrated strong dependence of the reaction rate on the substitution pattern of the phenyl ring and the reaction conditions make it potentially possible to selectively cleave a single methoxy (or allyl­oxy) group in polymethoxy (or allyloxy) compounds.