An Efficient Method to Prepare Aryl Acetates by the Carbonylation of Aryl Methyl Ethers or Phenols

Synthesis of valuable chemicals from lignin based compounds is critical for the application of biomass. Here, we develop a method of preparing aryl acetates by the carbonylation of aryl methyl ethers or phenols under low CO pressure. Good to excellent yields of aryl acetates were obtained using different substrates, and a possible reaction mechanism was proposed by conducting a series of control experiments. This method may provide a potential way for the utilization of lignin.