Efficient and Selective Protection of Alcohols and Phenols with Triisopropylsilyl Chloride/Imidazole Using Microwave Irradiation

A very simple and efficient method is described for silylation of alcohols and phenols using triisopropylsilyl chloride and imidazole under microwave irradiation. High selectivity was observed for silylation of primary and secondary alcohols and also for structurally different phenols.