Two experimentally facile methods for the preparation of discrete oligoethers are reported. The first involves an iterative sequence of oxidation, acetal formation, and reductive ring opening for the synthesis of penta-1,4-butylene glycol. The second method is also iterative, comprising phase-transfer etherification and end-group deprotection to form hexa-1,3-propylene glycol. These methods offer significantly improved yields and purification protocols over previously reported syntheses.
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