Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric S_N2‐Type O‐Alkylations

Bridging the gap: Brønsted acids catalyze an intramolecular SN2-type alkylation of alcohols with ethers by bridging a pentacoordinate transition state, thus simultaneously activating both the leaving group and nucleophile (see scheme). Density functional calculations provide detailed insight into the course of the reaction and the transition-state structure. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information...