PTFE tape as a phase screen in the synthesis of chiral α-halo ethers and acetals

In organic synthesis, the phase-vanishing (PV) technique uses an organofluoride solution to keep two reactive solutions in separate layers, while allowing a reaction to
proceed at the interface of the fluorous layer. PV reactions allow otherwise vigorous
reactions to proceed at a slower, more controlled rate. In this research, we evaluated the use of PTFE tape as a phase screen in the synthesis of chiral α-halo ethers and acetals. We were successful in synthesizing the two compounds of interest, and also successful in their isolation through the use of column chromatography. Since α-halo ethers are known to be carcinogenic, the use of PTFE tape minimizes exposure to the potentially harmful substance.