The trifluoroethyl ester was studied as a protection group for sulfate
monoesters in carbohydrates. The ester was formed from the sulfate by
treatment with trifluorodiazoethane and was compatible with other com
mon protecting groups used in carbohydrate chemistry. Selective cleava
ge of the trifluoroethyl ester was achieved with potassium t-butoxide.
(C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.