Utilizing Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling as a Reversed Strategy for Homogeneous Deprotection of Benzyl Ethers in Batch and Flow

A Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling is utilized as a reversed strategy for the homogeneous deprotection of benzyl ethers. The reaction is accelerated in batch using microwave heating or in flow using superheating in a plug flow reactor to achieve the desired (hetero)aromatic alcohols bearing heterocycles, alkenes, and ethers within 1 h. This work highlights an alternative debenzylation strategy in flow for cases where hydrogenation using heterogeneous catalysts is not a viable option.