Copper(I) halide catalysed synthesis of alkyl aryl and alkyl heteroaryl ethers

A number of alkyl aryl and alkyl heteroaryl ethers have been prepared from (hetero) aryl halides (mainly bromides) and sodium alkoxides, using copper(I)bromide as a catalyst. The influence of the main solvent, the halogen atom, reaction temperature and the presence of oxygen upon the rate and selectivity has been studied. Furthermore the decomposition of the catalyst and the reduction of the aryl halide are studied.