The vapor-phase catalytic alkylation of phenol with methanol and dimet
hyl carbonate on a series of differently prepared CrPO4 (Cr/P=1) and C
rPO4-AlPO4 (CrAlP) catalysts, has been studied at different temperatur
es (473-673 K). The reaction is first order in phenol, giving a mixtur
e of O- and C-alkylated products (C-alkylation taking place preferenti
ally at the ortho-position). Moreover, dimethyl carbonate is a better
methylating agent than methanol.