In(OTf)3 catalyzed reductive etherification of 2-aryloxybenzaldehydes and 2-(arylthio)benzaldehydes

Abstract

2-Aryloxybenzaldehydes and 2-(arylthio)benzaldehydes undergo reductive etherification in presence of 5 mol% In(OTf)3 and stoichiometric amount of Et3SiH under solvent free conditions to generate novel symmetrical dibenzyl ethers and thioethers in excellent yields. In(OTf)3 is found to be superior in terms of catalytic activity over the other metal triflates tested for the reaction. Xanthenes and thioxanthenes, as anticipated, could not be obtained under these conditions. © 2019