Efficient Coupling Reaction of Quinone Monoacetal with Phenols Leading to Phenol Biaryls

A simple and efficient synthesis of phenol biaryls by the cross-couplings of quinone monoacetals (QMAs) and phenols is reported. The Bronsted acid catalytic system in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol was found to be particularly efficient for this transformation. This reaction can be extended to the synthesis of various phenol biaryls, including sterically hindered biaryls, with yields ranging from 58 to 90% under mild reaction conditions and in a highly regiospecific manner.