Esters are effective co-catalysts in copper-catalyzed methanolysis of aryl bromides

Abstract Rate of copper(I)-catalyzed substitution of aryl bromides into methyl-aryl ethers by methoxide ion is greatly enhanced in presence of esters. Soluble copper(I) complexes 2, arising from tetrahedral adducts 1 of methoxide onto esters, are likely responsible for this improvement.