Introduction
<P>Alkyl orthoformates are important intermediates for organic synthesis,
widely used in medicines, pesticides and flavors. Alkyl orthoformates,
in general, are transparent liquids that decompose in water and
are soluble in methanol and chloroform. Alkyl orthoformates in acid
media generate alkoxonium, which is a powerful electrophilic agent
used as one carbon building block, and two alcohol molecules, which
constitutes an important protecting groups. Alkyl orthoformates
have also been reported as highly selective O, S and C-alkylating
agents due to their ability to furnish methyl groups by releasing
methyl formate, which is a good leaving group. Thus, alkyl orthoformates
are versatile chemical reagents, used to supply nucleophilic oxygen
and eletrophilic carbon atoms. Recent applications of alkyl orthoformates
are shown below.</P>
