Hydroalkoxylation is a chemical reaction that combines alcohols with alkenes or alkynes.
The reaction converts alkenes to dialkyl or aryl-alkyl ethers: Similarly, alkynes are converted to vinyl ethers: As shown, the reaction follows the Markovnikov rule.
The process exhibits good atom-economy in the sense that no byproducts are produced.
The reaction is catalyzed by bases and also by transition metal complexes.
[1] Usually symmetrical ethers are prepared by dehydration of alcohols and unsymmetrical ethers by the Williamson ether synthesis from alkyl halides and alkali metal alkoxides.