Samarium(II) dibromide-promoted selective deprotection of a benzoyl protective group

The selective deprotection of a benzoyl group was very important methodology in the field of organic synthesis. Various methods for debenzoylation were investigated and developed in the past six decades, but more useful and selective strategies are now being strongly desired. In response to this strong demand, we developed the novel and selective deprotection of a benzoyl group by use of samarium(II) dibromide and a proton source. This deprotective reaction proceeded smoothly and the desired compound was obtained in good to excellent yields. In this paper, we will report the details of this deprotective reaction.