Abstract
Herein, a mild and efficient method for synthesizing unsymmetrical dialkyl ethers via direct etherification promoted by FeCl(3)·6H(2)O and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is described. Carbocations produced from alcohols, cocatalyzed using FeCl(3)·6H(2)O and HFIP, resulted in unsymmetrical dialkyl ethers through a unimolecular nucleophilic substitution mechanism. Unsymmetrical dialkyl thioethers could also be efficiently prepared using a similar approach.