Solvent-free Williamson synthesis: An efficient, simple, and convenient method for chemoselective etherification of phenols and bisphenols

Etherification of phenols with dimethyl- and diethylsulfates and benzyl chloride was performed efficiently in the presence of a suitable solid base, NaHCO(3) or K(2)CO(3), 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.