Catalytic O-methylation of phenols with dimethyl carbonate to aryl methyl ethers using [BMIm]Cl

A facile synthesis of aryl methyl ethers from phenols and dimethyl carbonate has been achieved in the presence of 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIm]Cl). The reaction is carried out at 120 degreesC under atmospheric pressure. Aryl methyl ethers are obtained with excellent yields (>99%) at 100% selectivity for O-methylation. Moreover, [BMIm] Cl can be easily reused without loss of activity.