Copper-Catalyzed Etherification of Aryl Iodides Using KF/Al2O3: An Improved Protocol

A simple and efficient method for the coupling of aryl ­iodides with aliphatic alcohols and phenols that does not require the use of alkoxide bases is described. This C-O bond forming procedure shows that the combination of air stable CuI and 1,10-phenanthroline in the presence of KF/Al2O3 comprises an extremely efficient and general catalyst system for the etherification of aryl ­iodides. Different functionalized aryl iodides were coupled with ­alcohols and phenols using this method.