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 role in this C-O bond forming reaction, formed via transesterification of AcOAr with [CuII]-OtBu intermediates generated upon reaction of [CuI] with tBuOOtBu.