Directing group assisted copper-mediated aroylation of phenols using 2-bromoacetophenones

Abstract

A new directing group assisted method for the synthesis of aryl esters is described. In this Cu(II)-mediated reaction, 2-formylphenols and 2-acetylphenols are easily converted into aryl esters via treatment with a new aroylating agent 2-bromoacetophenone. In addition, a new external bromine free method for the synthesis of important synthons 2,2-dibromoacetophenones from 2-bromoacetophenones is described.