Chapter 3: Synthetic Methods for Alkyl Aryl Ethers

The preparation of ethers is one of the most fundamental and frequently used important reactions in synthetic organic chemistry. Alkyl aryl ethers are important building blocks in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and high-tech areas. However, despite the widespread interest, traditional methods for alkyl aryl ether formation are often problematic because of harsh reaction conditions, generally poor yields, strong acid, and/or low chemical selectivity. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a general overview of the formation of alkyl aryl ethers utilizing pertinent examples highlighted from the literature while discussing perspectives in the future development of improved methodologies and conditions for this functionality.