Base Mediated Synthesis of Alkyl-aryl Ethers from the Reaction of Aliphatic Alcohols and Unsymmetric Diaryliodonium Salts

The base mediated coupling of aliphatic alcohol pronucleophiles with unsymmetric diaryliodonium salt electrophiles is described. This metal-free reaction is operationally simple, proceeds at mild temperature, and displays broad substrate scope to generate industrially important alkyl-aryl ethers in moderate to excellent yield. The synthetic utility of these reactions is demonstrated, and aspects of sustainability are highlighted by the use of unsymmetric aryl­(mesityl)­iodonium arylating reagents.