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.