Vapor-phase reactions of catechol with dimethyl carbonate. Part III: Selective synthesis of veratrole over alumina loaded with potassium nitrate Original Research Article

Alumina loaded with potassium nitrate has a very high catalytic activity for the vapor-phase methylation of catechol with dimethyl carbonate to selectively afford veratrole. Thus, veratrole was obtained in a 97% yield at 583 K. The reaction pathway includes both guaiacol and catechol carbonate as intermediates.