Metal-free synthesis of aryl ethers in water.

The first arylation of allylic and benzylic alcohols with diaryliodonium salts is reported. The reaction yields alkyl aryl ethers under mild and metal-free conditions. Phenols are arylated to diaryl ethers in good to excellent yields. The reaction employs diaryliodonium salts and sodium hydroxide in water at low temperature, and excess amounts of the coupling partners are avoided.