Phosphorous Acid-Catalyzed Alkylation of Phenols with Alkenes

A H3PO3-catalyzed alkylation of phenols with alkenes is achieved in a facile, efficient, and selective manner. The reaction shows a unique selectivity, i.e., excellent regioselectivity, thorough suppression of overalkylation, without alkylation of a simple phenyl ring, and can selectively provide ortho-, meta-, or para-alkylated phenol derivatives in good to excellent yields. This feature along with mild reaction conditions, sensitive functional group tolerance, and scale-up synthesis and late modification of phenolic bioactive compounds make it an ideal and practical alternative for the modification of phenols.