Bismuth trichloride catalyzed efficient reductive etherification of carbonyl compounds with alcohols: A novel method for preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers

The reductive homocoupling of a carbonyl compound and heterocoupling of a carbonyl compound with a non-protected alcohol were both effected smoothly at room temperature with triethylsilane in the presence of a catalytic amount of bismuth trichloride to afford the corresponding ethers in good yields.