No abstract

The industrially important alkyl aryl ethers (ArOR) were selectively obtained in good yields from the O-alkylation of the corresponding phenols with the environmentally benign reagents, dimethyl carbonate or diethyl carbonate. The reactions were carried out under atmospheric pressure, in a homogenous process, without solvent and in the presence of potassium carbonate as catalyst. Green ContextThe replacement of salt-forming reagents with more efficient systems is exemplified by the use of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in place of e.g. methyl chloride. Here, DMC is successfully used to methylate phenols in good yield and with only (recyclable) methanol and CO 2 as co-products. Separation is relatively simple.