Ketone di-sec-alkyl acetals are obtained in good to excellent yields by treatment of ketones with tri-sec-alkyl orthoformate and the corresponding alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of cerium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate. ... In conclusion, the synthesis of a range of di-sec-alkyl acetals from ketones has been accomplished using tri-sec-alkyl orthoformate and cerium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate. ... 1a Kocienski PJ. Protecting Groups 3rd ed.: Thieme; New ...