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.