Preparation of phenolic compounds through catalyst-free ipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids

A novel method for the preparation of phenolic compounds through ipso-hydroxylation of the corresponding widely available arylboronic acid precursors is described. Through application of a novel PEG400-H2O2 reactant system, a variety of substituted phenols and other aromatic analogues have been prepared in excellent yields at room temperature in the absence of any catalyst.