O-Acetyl-Substituted Phenol Ester Synthesis via Direct Oxidative Esterification Utilizing Ethers as an Acylating Source with Cu2(dhtp) Metal–Organic Framework as a Recyclable Catalyst

Abstract

A metal–organic framework (MOF) Cu2(dhtp) was prepared and used as a recyclable catalyst for the direct C–O coupling of ethers with 2-acylphenols to generate phenol esters. The Cu2(dhtp) displayed better efficiency in the production of phenol esters than several MOFs, as well as traditional homogeneous catalysts. The oxidant played an important role for the conversion, and aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide was the best choice. Heterogeneous catalysis was confirmed for the transformation, and no phenol ester generated by leached species, if any, was recorded. It was possible to reuse the Cu2(dhtp) catalyst numerous times in the conversion of 2-acylphenols and ethers to phenol esters without a noticeable deterioration in catalytic efficiency. To our best understanding, the direct esterification to produce phenol esters utilizing ethers as an acylating source assisted by solid catalysts has not been previously reported in the literature.