Nickel-Catalyzed O-Methylation of Cinnamic Acid Using DMSO as Methyl Surrogate

Abstract

A new method for the O-methylation of cinnamic acid employing DMSO as the methylating agent has been devised, employing a Ni-DMAP complex as catalyst along with Ag₂O and dimethylamine as additives. This protocol demonstrates broad substrate compatibility and good tolerance towards various functional groups. The key advantages of this approach include the utilization of cost-effective catalysts, moderate to high yield of the products, and short reaction time.