Allylic protecting groups and their use in a complex environment part I: Allylic protection of alcohols

Allyl protection is widely used in organic synthesis. Herein, we describe an efficient and general protocol for O-deallylation via cobalt hydride-catalyzed oxidative hydrofunctionalization. Using a green oxidant, namely oxone, this method smoothly delivers allyl deprotection products, including 1°/2°/3° alcohols, phenols and carboxylic acids.