Facile synthesis of symmetrical ethers is achieved by either trimethylsilyl triflate or trimethylsilyl iodide catalyzed reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) with trialkylsilanes. The method was also extended to the trimethylsilyl iodide catalyzed preparation of unsymmetrical ethers by reductive condensation (of carbonyl compounds) with alkoxysilanes. The scope and limitations of the reactions are discussed with emphasis on diastereoselectivity.
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