Metal triflates and metal triflimidates are shown to catalyse efficiently the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of phenol with alkenes. Bismuth, copper and scandium triflates lead to very good yields with excellent para-selectivities. ... Keywords. catalysis, metal triflate, bismuth, Friedel–Crafts alkylation ... The alkylation of phenols is an industrial process of great importance, notably for the production of lubricants and antioxidants.1 Alkylphenols can be used directly or as intermediates, ...