The reductive etherification of carbonyl compounds using polymethylhydrosiloxane activated by molecular iodine

Aldehydes and ketones undergo a smooth reductive etherification by polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) in the presence of a catalytic amount of molecular iodine under mild conditions to afford the corresponding symmetrical ethers in excellent yields. This new reagent system (PMHS/I2) provides a simple and convenient route for the preparation of symmetrical ethers from carbonyl compounds.