Synthesis of highly oxygenated dinaphthyl ethers via SNAr reactions promoted by Barton's base.

[reaction: see text] Electron-rich dinaphthyl ethers were synthesized by S(N)Ar reactions between naphthols and activated fluoronaphthalenes. 2-tert-Butyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (Barton's base) was found to be an excellent, mild alternative to traditional inorganic bases for promoting the coupling reaction.