Cobalt-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of ethers: Direct synthesis of α-oxy esters from phenols and alcohols

A cobalt-catalyzed direct alkoxycarbonylation of ethers has been accomplished. This new catalytic system allows the use of ethers, important building blocks in organic synthesis, as the carbonylation substrates. A variety of phenols and alcohols were transformed to the corresponding α-oxy ester derivatives in high yields with excellent functional group tolerance. In addition, several pharmaceutical and bioactive molecule related compounds were also suitable substrates for this carbonylation process, the target products were obtained in good yields.