Selective O-alkylation of cresols with methanol:: catalysis by Cs loaded silica, a solid base

The O-alkylation of hydroxy aromatic compounds such as cresols is conveniently carried out over easy to prepare alkali loaded silica catalysts in the vapour phase with high selectivities (ca. 99%). The activities of the catalysts increase with alkali loading and the basicity of the metal (Cs > K > Na > Li). In the case of p-cresol over Cs/SiO2, the yield of the o-alkylated product is as high as 94%.