Stable Oxypyridinium Triflate (OPT) Salts for the Synthesis of Halobenzyl Ethers

A collection of new oxypyridinium triflate reagents (1a-d) for the synthesis of halobenzyl ethers from alcohols under "mix-and-heat" conditions is described. The reagents are stable organic salts that can be stored indefinitely and handled without special precautions, making them attractive for general use in organic synthesis. Halobenzylation of representative alcohols occurs in good to excellent yield.