CeCl3·7H2O-Promoted highly chemoselective hydrolysis of 1,3-oxathio- and dithioacetals

A highly selective hydrolysis of the 1,3-oxathio- and 1,3-dithioacetals has been achieved in high yields using CeCl3·7H2O–NaI in acetonitrile at reflux temperature under neutral conditions. This method is mild and compatible with a wide range of functional groups such as TBDPS, THP, PMB, MOM, allyl, propargyl, prenyl, benzyl ethers, carbamates and acetate, etc., present in the substrate.