Microwave-assisted methylation of phenols with tetramethylammonium chloride in the presence of K2CO3 or Cs2CO3

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.