Abstract Phthalimidomethylation of oxygen nucleophiles by using O-phthalimidomethyl (Pim) trichloroacetimidate in the presence of TMSOTf has been achieved in high yields. Hydrazinolysis of the phthalimido group from the O-derivatives leads to the hydroxy precursors. Thus a convenient method for the protection of oxygen nucleophiles is provided, which complements the repertoire of available hydroxy protecting groups.
