Nickel-catalysed C O bond reduction of 2,4,6-triaryloxy-1,3,5-triazines in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran

A nickel-catalysed reduction of phenol derivatives activated by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) in ecofriendly 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) is described. The phenol-TCT derivatives were readily prepared using grinding method in short time without further purification. This catalytic system allowed the facile C–O cleavage of phenol-TCT derivatives under mild reaction conditions with high efficiency and good functional group tolerance. Gram-scale reaction was also achieved. Particularly, sequential functionalization of phenol-TCT derivatives followed by C–O bond reduction could also be realized, affording the high value-added products in moderate to good yields.