Synthesis 2006(21): 3531-3541  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-950311
REVIEW
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Protecting-Group-Free Synthesis

Reinhard W. Hoffmann*
Fachbereich Chemie der Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans Meerwein Str., 35032 Marburg, Germany
Fax: +49(6421)2825677; e-Mail: rwho@chemie.uni-marburg.de;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 1 June 2006
Publication Date:
09 October 2006 (online)

Abstract

The introduction and removal of protecting groups are steps that unnecessarily increase the length of multistep syntheses. Hence, efficient syntheses are those that avoid the use of protecting groups. Protecting-group-free syntheses are highlighted in this review, in order to illustrate strategies by which the use of protecting groups can be minimized.

  • 1 Introduction.

  • 2 Early Examples

  • 3 In the 21st Century

  • 3.1 Protection/Deprotection in situ

  • 3.2 Biogenesis-Oriented Synthesis

  • 3.3 Reliance on Transition-Metal-Catalysed Skeleton Formation

  • 3.4 Order of Introduction of Functional Groups

  • 4 Conclusion