Hydroalkoxylation is a chemical reaction that combines alcohols with alkenes or alkynes. The process affords ethers.

The reaction converts alkenes to dialkyl or aryl-alkyl ethers:

R'OH + RCH=CH₂ → R'OCH(R)-CH₃

Similarly, alkynes are converted to vinyl ethers:

R'OH + RC≡CH → R'OC(R)=CH₂

As shown, the reaction follows the Markovnikov rule. The process exhibits good atom-economy in the sense that no byproducts are produced. The reaction is catalyzed by bases and also by transition metal complexes.^[1] Usually symmetrical ethers are prepared by dehydration of alcohols and unsymmetrical ethers by the Williamson ether synthesis from alkyl halides and alkali metal alkoxides.^[2]