A Noncoordinating Acid-Base Catalyst for the Mild and Nonreversible tert-Butylation of Alcohols and Phenols.

A mild and nonreversible tert-butylation of alcohols and phenols can be achieved in high yields using the noncoordinating acid-base catalyst [bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide and 2,6-lutidine] with a tert-butylation reagent, tert-butyl 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate. This method allows the use of substrates containing acid sensitive groups such as ketal, Boc, and boronate esters.