Synthesis of β=iodo-t-butyl and methyl ethers from the reaction of alkenes with t-butyl and methyl hypoiodites

t-Butyl or methyl hypoiodite, generated from potassium t-butoxide or sodium methoxide and iodine monochloride, react with olefins via a bridged iodonium ion intermediate giving the trans-vicinal iodo -t-butyl or -methyl ethers.