An efficient Ullmann-type C-O bond formation catalyzed by an air-stable copper(I)-bipyridyl complex

An efficient O-arylation of phenols and aliphatic alcohols with aryl halides was developed that uses an air-stable copper(I) complex as the catalyst. This arylation reaction can be performed in good yield in the absence of Cs2CO3. A variety of functional groups are compatible with these reaction conditions with low catalyst loading levels.