Ligand-free copper-catalyzed O-arylation of arenesulfonamides with phenols: An unusual approach to biaryl ether synthesis

摘要

An unprecedented ligand-free copper-catalyzed O-arylation of arenesulfonamides with phenols has been developed. Thus, a range of unsysmmetric biaryl ethers were synthesized in excellent yields. The reaction occurs efficiently with excellent regioselectivity through the cleavage of C-ary-S bond and with a good tolerance of functional groups on the phenyl ring of phenols. The reaction is appreciated for its readily accessible substrates, mild conditions, and simple operation under air.