Saccharin Sulfonic Acid Catalyzed N-Boc Protection of Amines and Formation of tert-Butyl Ethers from Alcohols

Saccharin sulfonic acid (SaSA), as a stable reagent is easily prepared by the reaction of saccharin with neat chlorosulfonic acid at room temperature. This compound is able to catalyze conversion of amines to their corresponding N-Boc protected amines with (Boc)2O. Alcohols were also converted to their corresponding tert-butyl ethers. All reactions took place under mild conditions giving the desired products in good to high yields.