Pd(II)-catalyzed deprotection of acetals and ketals containing acid sensitive functional groups

The pincer complex [Pd(C1,O1,N1-L)(NCMe)]ClO4 (L = monoanionic ligand resulting from deprotonation of the acetyl group of the dimethyl monoketal of 2,6-diacetylpyridine) is used for the high-yield and selective catalytic hydrolysis of aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic, and acyclic dimethyl-acetals, -ketals, and dioxolanes, even in the presence of large substituents. Other protecting groups, such as THP or TBDMS, or very acid-sensitive alcohols were not affected. The catalyst is easily prepared in high yield from Pd(AcO)2 and 2,6-diacetylpyridinium perchlorate stable to air and moisture, easily and fully recoverable and reusable.