The ortho-substituent effect directed by the CF 3 CONH group exists in CuBr/N,N-dimethylglycine-catalyzed diaryl ether formation from o-chlorotrifluoroacetanilides and phenols, leading to this coupling reaction proceeding at 80 ℃ to afford a wide range of diaryl ethers. The halogen-exchange also plays an important role in this transformation because adding potassium iodide is essential for complete conversion.