Copper-catalyzed aromatic C–H alkoxylation with alcohols under aerobic conditions

Abstract

An efficient protocol for copper-catalyzed aromatic C–H alkoxylation with alcohols has been developed under aerobic conditions. The protocol provides a complementary method to couple arenes and alcohols to furnish aromatic ethers. The advantages of this method are the employment of a cheap Cu(OAc)₂ catalyst, oxygen as the terminal oxidant and alcohol as both an alkoxy reagent and a solvent. Notably, the catalytic amount of benzoic acid plays a significant role in this transformation.