An efficient cleavage of the aryl ether C–O bond in supercritical carbon dioxide–water.

A simple and highly efficient Rh/C catalyzed route for the cleavage of the C–O bond of aromatic ether at 80 °C in the presence of 0.5 MPa of H2 in the scCO2–water medium is reported; CO2 pressure and water play a key role under the tested conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]