In the synthesis of complex organic molecules, it is some times necessary to
temporarily mask the reactivity of some functional groups in a multifunctional
compound to carry out the reaction selectively at a reactive site. The
protective groups are used to serve this purpose. However the success of using a
protective group should fulfill the following requirements.
- The reagents used to protect a functional group must react selectively in
high yield with that group.
- The protective group must be stable to the projected reactions conditions.
- It must be removed easily by employing simple and non toxic methods under
mild reaction conditions.
- The protecting groups are expected not to alter the configuration at
stereogenic centers either during protection or removal.