文摘
We have evaluated the potential of using tetramethylammonium chloride (Me4NCl) as an alternative methylating agent for phenols under microwave-assisted conditions. Its chemical behavior was tested in a reaction with 2-naphthol in the presence of various bases and solvents. The method was then applied in 1,2-dimethoxyethane or toluene under heterogeneous conditions for the O-methylation of a series of phenolic compounds. We found that many simple phenols can be methylated in the presence of K2CO3, whereas some other less-reactive phenols require the presence of the more reactive Cs2CO3.