An Efficient K2CO3-Promoted Synthesis of 1-Bromo-2-aryloxyethane Derivatives and Evaluation of Larval Mortality against Aedes aegypti

The influences of reaction parameters on the etherification of phenols to obtain 1-bromo-2-aryloxyethane derivatives were evaluated. The compounds were prepared by direct etherification of phenols with 1,2-dibromoethane using anhydrous K2CO3 and acetonitrile as solvent reaction, at 80°C, in a reaction time of 6 h. Under these conditions, excellent yields (71%–94%) were obtained, with low yields of secondary products. The anhydrous K2CO3 was recycled by simple filtration, dried in vacuum, and reused. The compounds were characterized by conventional spectral data (MS and NMR). Larvicidal activity results showed a 100% larval mortality after 24-hour exposure to the compound 1-(2-bromoethoxy)-2-phenylbenzene.