High performance method for O-methylation of phenol with dimethyl carbonate Original Research Article

The O-methylation of phenols, including the sterically hindered phenols, with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) under mild conditions of temperature and pressure was described. The reaction was carried out in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), in a semi-continuous process. Aryl methyl ethers were rapidly and selectively obtained in good yields.