Copper Catalyzed sp³ C–H Etherification with Acyl Protected Phenols

A variety of acyl protected phenols AcOAr participate in sp3 C-H etherification of substrates R-H to give alkyl aryl ethers R-OAr employing tBuOOtBu as oxidant with copper(I) β-diketiminato catalysts [CuI]. Although 1°, 2°, and 3° C-H bonds may be functionalized, selectivity studies reveal a preference for the construction of hindered, 3° C-OAr bonds. Mechanistic studies indicate that β-diketiminato copper(II) phenolates [CuII]-OAr play a key...