A Novel Synthesis of Aryl Mesylates via One-Pot Demethylation-Mesylation of Aryl Methyl Ethers Using a Mixture of Phosphorus Pentoxide in Methanesulfonic Acid

A simple, efficient, and new method has been developed for the synthesis of aryl mesylates via one-pot demethylation-mesylation of aryl methyl ethers. Treatment of a variety of aryl methyl ethers with a mixture of phosphorus pentoxide in methanesulfonic acid as an efficient reagent proceeded effectively to afford the corresponding aryl mesylates in good yields. This method is easy, rapid, and good-yielding for the synthesis of aryl mesylates from aryl methyl ethers.