The lanthanide(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate-catalyzed condensation of benzyl alcohols with primary and secondary alcohols is described. This reaction proceeds readily with benzyl alcohols that have an alkyl or aryl substituent at the α-, ortho-, or para-position using microwave radiation or heating. The intramolecular variant of this reaction leads to cyclic benzofurans.
condensation - ethers - lanthanides - Lewis acids - microwave
