An Approach to the Site‐Selective Deoxygenation of Hydroxy Groups Based on Catalytic Phosphoramidite Transfer

Selective: The deoxygenation of simple and complex natural products employing a readily synthesized phosphoramidite and tetrazole catalysts can be executed as a two-step process, without the need to isolate intermediate deoxygenation precursors. Furthermore, a peptide-based tetrazole catalyst controls the site selectivity of deoxyerythromycin synthesis (see scheme), thus overcoming the notorious challenges with unprotected erythromycin A.