From Anilines to Aryl Ethers: A Facile, Efficient, and Versatile Synthetic Method Employing Mild Conditions
We have developed a simple and direct method for the synthesis of aryl ethers by reacting alcohols/phenols (ROH) with aryl ammonium salts (ArNMe3+), which are readily prepared from anilines (ArNR′2, R′=H or Me). This reaction proceeds smoothly and rapidly (within a few hours) at room temperature in the presence of a commercially available base, such as KOtBu or KHMDS, and has a broad substrate scope with respect to both ROH and ArNR′2. It is scalable and compatible with a wide range of functional groups.