esterification and deprotection of (5 S, 6 R)-5, 6-diacetoxyoct-7-enoic acid in good yields
(44− 62%) with a lactone formed as a minor byproduct. ZrCl4 (10− 20 mol%) was also
sufficient to deprotect 1, 3-dioxalane, bis-TBDMS ethers, and diacetate functional groups in
excellent yields of up to 93%. ZrCl4 (1− 10 mol%) also promoted diol protection as the
acetonide in 90% yield and acted as a trans-esterification catalyst for a range of esters.