Mild and chemoselective synthesis and deprotection of geminal diacetates catalyzed by titanium(IV) halides

A novel, mild, and chemoselective method was developed for the preparation of gem-diacetates from aldehydes and acetic anhydride in the presence of titanium(IV) fluoride (1-5 mol%) under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. The reaction showed a high chemoselectivity toward aldehydes in the presence of ketones. Moreover, titanium(IV) fluoride also catalyzed the deprotection of gem-diacetates to the corresponding aldehydes in water. This efficient and simple method has several benefits, including the use of an inexpensive catalyst, solvent-free conditions, mild reaction temperatures, and high yields, which make it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.