Lithium chloride-catalyzed selective demethylation of aryl methyl ethers under microwave irradiation

A rapid method for the selective cleavage of aryl methyl ether in the lithium chloride-N,N-dimethylformamide (LiCl-DMF) system under microwave irradiation has been developed. Effects of substituent, metal salt and solvent on the activity and selectivity in the cleavage reaction have been investigated. It is found that microwave significantly improves the reaction yield and the selectivity of demethylation for electron deficient aromatic methyl ethers. The catalytic mechanism of demethylation by LiCl salt is proposed.

A rapid method for the selective cleavage of aryl methyl ether in lithium chloride-N,N-dimethylformamide (LiCl-DMF) system has been developed under microwave irradiation. Effects of substituent and reaction conditions have been investigated from the reactivity and selectivity point of view. It is found that microwave significantly improves the yield and the selectivity of demethylation in LiCl-DMF system.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide