•
π-Acid catalyst, compare DDQ (2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone, A11879) for the rearrangement of epoxides to ketones, formation of acetonides (1,3-dioxolanes) by reaction of epoxides with acetone: Chem. Lett., 17 (1993), formation of epoxides with hydrogen peroxide: Chem. Pharm. Bull., 43, 686 (1995), and for stereospecific alcoholysis of epoxides under mild conditions: Synlett, 847 (1993). In the presence of pyridine, carboxylic acids are converted to anhydrides: Tetrahedron Lett., 26, 1503 (1985). In an alcohol as solvent, catalyzes esterification and transesterification reactions: Chem. Lett., 55 (1997).•
Also catalyzes the carbon-carbon bond formation reactions of aldehydes, ketones and acetals with silylated nucleophiles including Trimethylsilyl cyanide, A19598, allyltrimethylsilane, silyl enol ethers and triethylsilane: J. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 2155 (1995).• Versatile reagent and reactive dienophile. Reviews: Miscellaneous chemistry: Chem. Rev., 67, 611 (1967); Synthesis, 249 (1986); Addition and cycloaddition reactions: Synthesis, 749 (1987); Organometallic chemistry: Synthesis, 959 (1987).