Water compatible gold(III)-catalysed synthesis of unsymmetrical ethers from alcohols

Ana B. Cuenca, Gisela Mancha, Gregorio Asensio*, Mercedes Medio-Simón

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Indexed journal article Articlepeer-review

59 Citations (Web of Science)

Abstract

An efficient and broad-scoped method for the preparation of unsymmetrical ethers from alcohols catalysed by the simplest and least expensive gold catalyst, NaAuCl4, is described for the first time. The procedure enables the etherification of benzylic and tertiary alcohols with moderate to good yields under mild conditions with low catalyst loading. Symmetrical ethers, the usual side products in the etherification of alcohols, were not detected in this case. The formation of the racemic ether from a chiral benzyl alcohol suggests the intermediacy of a carbocation, which has not previously been postulated for gold-catalysed reactions involving alcohols.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1518-1523
Number of pages6
JournalChemistry - A European Journal
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Feb 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alcohols
  • Carbocations
  • Gold
  • Homogeneous catalysis
  • Lewis acids

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