Ferric perchlorate as an efficient and useful catalyst for the selective benzylation and methylation of alcohols with benzyl chloride and methyl iodide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/s00706-008-0054-x

A mild and efficient method was developed for selective benzylation and methylation of hydroxyl compounds in the presence of a catalytic amount of ferric perchlorate. We showed that ferric perchlorate was very effective in selectively promoting the benzylation and methylation of primary aliphatic and benzylic alcohols versus secondary aliphatic alcohols and phenolic hydroxy groups. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]