CO2(CO)8-Assisted synthesis of propargylic unsymmetrical ethers by reaction of alcohols with propargylic alcohols

Lewis acid treatment of alcohols with CO2(CO)6-propargylic alcohols yielded propargylic ethers after cobalt demetallation. The procedure is highly effective for the preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers derived from primary alcohols and primary and secondary propargylic alcohols. The method permits the use of a wide range of alcohols including those having halogens in their structures.