Bismuth trichloride–mediated cleavage of phenolic methoxymethyl ethers

<p>A simple and efficient method for removal of phenolic methoxymethyl ethers in the presence of 30 mol% of bismuth trichloride in acetonitrile/water is described. Notable features of the cleavage protocol entail use of an ecofriendly bismuth reagent, ease of handling, low cost, operational simplicity, and good functional group compatibility. A number of structurally varied phenolic methoxymethyl ethers were cleaved in good to excellent yields.</p