Solvent‐Free Williamson Synthesis: An Efficient, Simple, and Convenient Method for Chemoselective Etherification of Phenols and Bisphenols

Abstract

Abstract Etherification of phenols with dimethyl‐ and diethylsulfates and benzyl chloride was performed efficiently in the presence of a suitable solid base, NaHCO3 or K2CO3, under solvent‐free conditions. The reaction proceeded rapidly at low temperature, and the corresponding ethers were obtained with high purity and excellent yield. Selective etherification of electron‐poor phenols in the presence of electron‐rich ones and also selective mono‐etherification of bisphenols are the noteworthy advantages of this method. This method is environmentally friendly.