Iron(III) p-toluenesulfonate catalyzed synthesis of homoallyl ethers from acetals and aldehydes

Iron(III) p-toluenesulfonate, Fe(OTs)3·6H2O, is an inexpensive, versatile and commercially available catalyst for the allylation of acetals using allyltrimethylsilane to yield homoallyl ethers in moderate to good yields. The one-pot conversion of aldehydes to homoallyl ethers using alkoxysilanes has also been accomplished using Fe(OTs)3·6H2O as a catalyst. The use of mild reaction conditions and a relatively non-corrosive catalyst make this method an attractive option for the synthesis of a range of homoallyl ethers.