A convenient synthesis of phenols

Abstract

Anilines are rapidly, often within 60 minutes, converted into the corresponding phenols in up to 87% isolated yield. The presented experimentally simple protocol display broad compatibility with a variety of functional groups, and in particular, well suited for the preparation of methyl-substituted phenols. Such phenols are not easily available by other synthetic approaches. The formation of phenolic radical coupling products was not observed even for activated anilines using this open flask method.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Anilines
• copper sulfate
• diazotization
• 3-iodo catechol
• phenols

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.{AQ8}

Additional information

Funding

The Research Council of Norway is gratefully acknowledged for funding of a doctoral fellowship to R. K. (FRIPRO-FRINATEK 230470). Generous support from the Norwegian Ph.D. School in Pharmacy (Nasjonal forskerskole i Farmasi, NFIF) for a travel grant to R. K. is also appreciated.