Phenol ether

[2][1] Phenol ethers are part of the chemical structure of a variety of medications, including quinine, an antimalarial drug, and dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough suppressant.

As a result, the IUPAC nomenclature of phenol ethers will often take the form of “alkoxybenzene” or “phenoxyalkane,” where the alkane is some sort of hydrocarbon substituent.

As such, an Ullmann condensation can be employed: an aryl halide is able to react with phenol (or its derivatives) to form a bis-aryl ether in the presence of a copper-based catalyst, such as copper(II) oxide.

[11] For instance, omeprazole, an oral medication that treats acid reflux, contains two phenol ether substituents.

[12] Anethole, a simpler compound containing only one phenol ether substituent, is the main component in the oil of anise fruits.

Elemicin, a naturally-occurring organic compound containing three phenol ether substituents, is a major component in the oils of nutmeg and mace.

The general structure of a phenol ether.
Examples of phenol ethers and their nomenclature. 5-phenoxynonane follows the same naming scheme as 1-phenoxyoctane, due to nonane having more carbons than a benzene ring.
An acid catalyzed condensation between phenol and ethanol, forming ethoxybenzene.
A Williamson ether synthesis between p-ethylphenolate and bromoethane to form 4-ethyl-1-ethoxybenzene.
An Ullmann condensation between p-methylphenolate and bromobenzene in the presence of a copper catalyst to form 4-methyl-1-phenoxybenzene.
Omeprazole and elemicin are examples of useful molecules containing phenol ether substituents.