An efficient method for the preparation of dialkoxymethanes from dichloromethane with alcohols catalyzed by a Cu-NHC complex

A facile, rapid and efficient method for the preparation of dialkoxymethanes from dichloromethane with alcohols catalyzed by a Cu-NHC complex is reported. A variety of symmetrical dialkoxymethanes can be prepared under mild condition in excellent yields (up to 98%). The unsymmetrical ether is also obtained in 89% yield from the etherification of p- tolylmethanol and n -butyl chloride catalyzed by ICyCuCl complex at 80 °C. The reaction provides a new method for the preparation of dialkoxymethanes under mild conditions in excellent yields.