Diphenyl ethers (DPE) and its analogs have exhibited excellent potential for therapeutic and
industrial applications. Since the 19th century, intensive research is perpetuating on the synthetic routes
and biological properties of DPEs. Few well-known DPEs are Nimesulide, Fenclofenac, Triclosan,
Sorafenib, MK-4965, and MK-1439 which have shown the potential of this moiety as a lead scaffold
for different pharmacological properties. In this review, we recapitulate the diverse synthetic route of
DPE moiety inclusive of merits and demerits over the classical synthetic route and how this moiety
sparked an interest in researchers to discern the SAR (Structure Activity Relationship) for the development
of diversified biological properties of DPEs such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiinflammatory
& antiviral activities.
Synthesis of 3,3-Diaryl/Heteroarylpropylamines via Nucleophilic Ring Opening of Activated Azetidines with Arenes and Heteroarenes: New Synthetic Route to (±)Tolterodine