Reaction between a halomethylphenol and another phenol has been investigated under various experimental conditions. In the absence of an added acid catalyst improved yields of the nuclearly alkylated phenol are obtained. Phenols which are deactivated by ring substituents-eg 2, 6-and 2, 4-dibromo-intramolecularly hydrogen bonded, or sterically hindered failed to react without the use of an external catalyst. A concerted nucleophilic ...