key term - Protecting group

Definition

A protecting group is a chemical group attached to a reactive site in a molecule to prevent unwanted reactions during subsequent chemical transformations. It is later removed once the desired modifications elsewhere on the molecule are completed.

Related terms

Deprotection:

The process of removing a protecting group from a molecule after it has served its purpose, restoring the original functional group.

Silyl ethers: A common type of protecting group used for alcohols that involves the formation of an ether linkage with silicon-containing groups.

Acetal protection: A method of safeguarding aldehyde or ketone functional groups by converting them into acetals or ketals during synthesis processes