Transition-metal-free access to benzyl ethers via aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of benzylic C(sp 3 )–H bonds with alcohols

We have developed an efficient and green cross-coupling reaction for alkoxylation of the primary benzylic C(sp 3 )–H bond. KO t Bu was used as a catalyst and O 2 was used as the sole oxidant in the methoxylation of the primary benzylic C–H bond.