Direct synthesis of ethers via zinc chloride mediated etherification of alcohols

Abstract

Allylic and benzylic alcohols are converted into the symmetrical ethers in the presence of zinc chloride in dichloroethane. Secondary benzylic alcohols like sec-phenethyl alcohol react with primary alcohols and allylic alcohols to give the corresponding unsymmetrical ethers in good yields under the present conditions. Also, activated 1,n-diols are cyclodehydrated with zinc chloride to give ethenyl or aromatic group substituted 5- or 6-membered cyclic ethers in excellent yields. Of synthetic significance is the direct conversion of alcohols into ethers under very mild and essentially neutral conditions.