Selective removal of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl- and 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl protecting groups with Zn–N-methylimidazole in the presence of reducible and acid-sensitive functionalities

Activated zinc dust in the presence of N-methylimidazole in ethyl acetate or acetone at reflux or room temperature removes 2,2,2-trichloroethyl- and 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl protecting groups while azido-, nitro-, chloro-, phenacyl-, and tert-butyl ester functionalities as well as double bonds remain intact.