Synthesis and use of ortho-(branched alkoxy)-tert-butoxybenzenes

A series of sterically hindered o-(branched alkoxy)-tert-butoxybenzenes was efficiently prepared in good yields owing to a new practical and simple preparation of o-tert-butoxyphenol starting from catechol and isobutene. Use of DMF di-tert-butyl acetal reagent instead of isobutene/H2SO4 (cat.) for O-tert-butylation was very convenient in case of ortho bulky phenols affording the corresponding tert-butyl ethers in high yield and purity. This general route proved to be useful since no reliable access was available to o-di-t-BuO-substituted arenes. Application to the synthesis of congested phosphorus-based compounds is presented.