Catalytic Methyl Transfer from Dimethylcarbonate to Carboxylic Acids

Y Ji, J Sweeney, J Zoglio, DJ Gorin

Index: Ji, Yuan; Sweeney, Jessica; Zoglio, Jillian; Gorin, David J. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2013 , vol. 78, # 22 p. 11606 - 11611

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Citation Number: 14

Abstract

Although methylation reactions are commonplace, currently used reagents are hazardous, toxic, and/or unstable. Dimethylcarbonate has been put forth as an inexpensive, nontoxic, and “green” potential methylating reagent. Herein we report a general, base-catalyzed methyl transfer from dimethylcarbonate to carboxylic acids. High selectivity for esterification is observed even in the presence of unprotected phenols, and the mild reaction conditions ...