An Efficient Organocatalyzed Interconversion of Silyl Ethers to Tosylates Using DBU and p-Toluenesulfonyl Fluoride

A mild and efficient interconversion from silyl ethers to sulfonates esters is reported with good yields. This silyl-sulfonyl exchange proceeds readily in acetonitrile at room temperature in the presence of p-toluenesulfonyl fluoride and a catalytic amount of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7ene (DBU). This method can be used with trimethysilyl (TMS), triethylsilyl (TES) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) ethers.