Specific Alkylation Reactions - Evidence for a Novel Reaction Mechanism in Biphasic Mixtures

Abstract

Evidence is presented that a novel reaction mechanism permits specific alkylation of phenols in a biphasic mixture. It is demonstrated that the mechanism(s) involved is neither extractive alkylation nor phase transfer catalysis despite the fact that the reaction takes place in a biphasic mixture of aqueous alkaline solution and methylene chloride containing alkylating agent. It is also shown that only phenols react but carboxylic acids do not.