Ultrasound-accelerated synthesis of chiral allylic alcohols promoted by indium metal

The 2-iodomethyl-O-isopropylidine acetals undergo smoothly β-elimination by indium metal in methanol under sonication to afford the corresponding allylic alcohols in excellent yields with high selectivity. This method tolerates both acid and base labile functional and protecting groups and also free hydroxyl groups present in the molecule. Improved yields and enhanced rates are the remarkable features obtained by ultrasound.