EFFICIENT MICROWAVE METHOD FOR THE OXIDATIVE COUPLING OF PHENOLS

The tert-butyl peroxide-initiated, oxidative coupling of phenols can frequently promote reactions that otherwise perform poorly under alternative conditions. Despite this utility, peroxide coupling reactions employing conventional heat often require high-dilution conditions, multiple additions of oxidant, and long reflux times, while regularly affording only moderate product yields. We recently developed an optimized protocol for peroxide-promoted, oxidative coupling that employs microwave heat. Product yields up to 98% have been attained. The performance and scope of this method relative to other oxidative coupling methodologies will be discussed.