Oxidative Cross-Coupling of Two Different Phenols: An Efficient Route to Unsymmetrical Biphenols

An efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical biphenols via the oxidative cross-coupling of two different phenols in the presence of K2S2O8 and Bu4N+.HSO3- (10 mol %) in CF3COOH at ambient conditions is described. 1:1 Cross-coupling of substituted phenols with naphthols and 1:2 cross-coupling of naphthols with phenol are also disclosed. By using Bu4N+.HSO3-, the homocoupling of phenols or naphthols was controlled. In these reactions, the ortho C-H bond of two different phenols and the ortho and para C-H bond of phenols were coupled together.