Palladium-Catalyzed DirectorthoAlkoxylation of Aromatic Azo Compounds with Alcohols

An efficient and highly regioselective synthesis of 2-alkoxy aromatic azo compounds via palladium(II)-catalyzed alkoxylation of azobenzene derivatives directed by the azo group using alcohols as the alkoxylation reagents and PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant has been developed. The method is applicable to both primary and secondary alcohols and affords moderate to good yields.