Cationic Platinum-Catalyzed Etherification by Intra- and Intermolecular Dehydration of Alcohols

Catalytic etherification of diols proceeds to give various cyclic ethers by use of cationic platinum salt, which is in situ prepared from PtCl2 and AgSbF6. Etherification of benzylic alcohols is also possible by intermolecular dehydration. Both of intra- and intermolecular etherifications smoothly proceed even under an atmosphere of air.