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.
ethers - cleavage - regioselectivity - substituent effects - boron trifluoride - methyl
sulfide