Biaryl ethers, preparation using boronic acids

Transmetallation of aiyl halide (VIII) with n-butyl lithium and treating it with readily available and inexpensive 3-ethoxycyclohexen-l-one followed by acid work-up would provide enone (XI) (Scheme 8). Enone (XI) can be then aromatized to phenol (X) or any other biaryl alkyl ether. By using this protocol, 3-ethoxycyclohexen-l-one is a synthon for 3-hydroxyphenyl boronic acid. The bulk price of 3-ethoxycyclohexen-l-one is 85/kg compared to 3500 for the boronic acid, thereby significantly reducing the cost to prepare biaryl (X). 

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