Copper-catalyzed direct preparation of phenols from aryl halides

A method for direct preparation of phenols from aryl halides using microwave heating is reported. A catalyst system comprising a simple copper salt and a diamine ligand is used, together with tripotassium phosphate as base and water as the solvent. Heating at 180 degrees C for 30 min allows for the conversion of a range of aryl bromides and iodides to the corresponding phenols. Aryl chlorides prove less reactive. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.