Ruthenium‐Catalyzed <i>ortho</i>‐Alkylation of Phenols with Alcohols by Dehydrative Coupling

Abstract

Only water: Phenols have been shown to undergo a ruthenium-catalyzed ortho-alkylation reaction (see scheme; Cy=cyclohexyl). Unactivated alcohols are used as the alkylating agents and water is the only by-product that is generated, making this transformation more atom-economical and greener than traditional methods.