A conceptually new regioselective and highly syn-stereoselective intermolecular Friedel-Crafts-type O-alkylation of phenols with aryl epoxides by the use of appropriately substituted aryl borates is reported. The carbon-carbon bond formation occurs in neutral and mild conditions without the need for external Lewis acids or transition metal catalysts. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.