stoichiometric_steve - 29-1-2010 at 10:15
It is obvious that this ether may be cleaved by the action of BBr3, and i have also found that [bmim][BF4], an ionic liquid, in conjunction with HBr
48% will have the same effect. Are there, though, any conditions that will not require the acquisition of any of the more dangerous/expensive
reagents, instead of the HBr 48% that already sits on my shelf and will leave me with a decent yield of 4-hydroxyindole?
Help much appreciated!
Edit: Yeah, stupid me...wasn't it only Aryl methyl ethers that were so difficult to cleave? 
HBr should do the trick. Thanks anyways!
[Edited on 29-1-2010 by stoichiometric_steve]