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 KOt Bu 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.