Processes for coupling phenol and cycloalkyls including combining an optionally substituted phenol, a cycloalkyl substituted with a leaving group, carbonate salt, tetrahydrofuran, and an optional phase transfer agent are provided. Also provided are processes for preparing 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde by combining 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, a cyclopentyl compound, a carbonate salt, a solvent, and an optional phase transfer agent.