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Synlett 2005(1): 111-114  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-836063
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Lanthanide(III) Triflate-Catalyzed Thermal- and Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Benzyl Ethers from Benzyl Alcohols

Anthony L. Handlon*, Yu Guo
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline, PO Box 13398, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA
Fax: +1(919)3150430; e-Mail: tony.l.handlon@gsk.com;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 2 September 2004
Publication Date:
07 December 2004 (online)

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Abstract

The lanthanide(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate-catalyzed condensation of benzyl alcohols with primary and secondary ­alcohols is described. This reaction proceeds readily with benzyl ­alcohols that have an alkyl or aryl substituent at the α-, ortho-, or para-position using microwave radiation or heating. The intra­molecular variant of this reaction leads to cyclic benzofurans.

Key words

condensation - ethers - lanthanides - Lewis acids - microwave