A new regio- and stereoselective intermolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation of phenolic substrates with aryl epoxides

A conceptually new regioselective and highly syn-stereoselective intermolecular Friedel–Crafts-type O-alkylation of phenols with aryl epoxides by the use of appropriately substituted aryl borates is reported. The carbon–carbon bond formation occurs in neutral and mild conditions without the need for external Lewis acids or transition metal catalysts.