Copper-Catalyzed Etherification of Arene C–H Bonds

Abstract

A method for direct, auxiliary-assisted alkoxylation and phenoxylation of β-sp(2) C-H bonds of benzoic acid derivatives and γ-sp(2) C-H bonds of amine derivatives is reported. The reaction employs (CuOH)2CO3 catalyst, air as an oxidant, phenol or alcohol coupling partner, DMF, pyridine, or DMPU solvent, and K2CO3, tetramethylguanidine, or K3PO4 base at 70-130 °C.