Silicagel-supported H6P2W18O62.24H(2)O: a reusable catalyst to prepare diphenylmethyl (DPM) ethers

In this work, we report an efficient and facile preparation of diphenylmethylethers ( benzydryl ethers, DPM- ethers) from benzhydrol and alcohols or phenols. Wells- Dawson heteropolyacid ( H6P2W18O62.24H(2)O), bulk or supported on silica showed catalytic activity for DPM- ethers preparation in toluene, at 60-80 degrees C, in 0.5- 1.5h. In these conditions twelve diphenylmethylethers of alcohols and phenol were obtained which excellent yields ( 78- 96%). The heterogeneous reaction conditions provided a very simple, environmentally friendly, clean, economical and selective protocol, for the preparation of unsymmetrical ethers. The catalyst is easily recycled and reused without loss of the catalytic activity.