Alcohol synthesis based on the S N 2 reactions of alkyl halides with the squarate dianion.

A convenient method has been developed for transforming alkyl halides into the corresponding alcohols via an S N 2 reaction. Treatment of an alkyl halide with the squarate dianion at high temperature produces mono-alkyl squarate, and a one-pot basic hydrolysis of the intermediate affords the alcohol in good yield.