Synthesis of soft alkyl phenolic ether prodrugs using Mitsunobu chemistry

The synthesis of soft alkyl phenolic ether prodrugs in excellent yields has been reported by coupling a phenol with a hydroxymethylimide using Mitsunobu chemistry. The imides used in this study include saccharin, phthalimide, succinimide and two other compounds containing acidic imide-like N–H groups, benzotriazole, and imidazole.