N-(Phenylselenomethyl)phthalimide as new reagent for mild protection of alcohols as Pim-ethers

A mild activation of N-(phenylselenomethyl)phthalimide by iodonium ion in the presence of alcohols to give the corresponding O-phthalimidomethyl derivatives (Pim-ethers) is provided. Simple cleavage of the phthalimido group with ethylenediamine is also reported thus making this approach a new and efficient method of protecting alcohols.