Facile preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers from their corresponding alcohols catalyzed by aluminumdodecatangstophosphate (AlPW12O40), as a versatile and a highly water tolerant Lewis acid

AlPW12O40 as a highly water tolerant Lewis acid is a suitable catalyst for the condensations in which water molecules generated in the process of the reaction. Therefore, efficient etherification of different classes of alcohols was performed using catalytic amounts of AlPW12O40. Preparation of symmetrical dibenzyl ethers especially bis(4-nitrobenzyl)ether also proceeded well with high yields in the presence of catalytic amounts of AlPW12O40. This compound acts as a heterogeneous, efficient and a reusable catalyst when used in aprotic organic solvents.