Copper-catalyzed formation of C-O bonds by direct α-C-H bond activation of ethers using stoichiometric amounts of peroxide in batch and continuous-flow formats.

Peroxides and ethers in flow: 2-Carbonyl-substituted phenols and β-ketoesters react safely with ethers in a microreactor environment using a copper catalyst and an organic peroxide (TBHP). This protocol results in unsymmetrical acetal scaffolds not easily available otherwise (see scheme).