Recent Progress on the O -Alkylation Reaction of Dialkyl Carbonates with Aromatic Phenolic Compounds

The preparation of aromatic ethers from aromatic phenolic compounds is an effective means to achieve low-carbon and high-value utilization of coal-based and biomass-based aromatic phenolic compounds. This paper mainly reviews the reports on dialkyl carbonates as O-alkylation agents for aromatic phenolic compounds in recent years. First, it introduces the challenges in preparing aromatic ethers from dialkyl carbonates and aromatic phenolic compounds. Then, starting from the difficulties, it systematically presents the research progress of phase transfer catalysts, ionic liquids, organic bases, alkali metal inorganic salts, and solid catalysts in the O-alkylation of aromatic phenolic compounds. Finally, it summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of various catalysts, and prospects the future research focus and development direction, in order to provide new methods and ideas for the technological transformation and industrial upgrading of the O-alkylation of aromatic phenolic compounds.