1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin and Poly N,N′-dibromo-N-ethyl naphthyl-2,7-disulfonamide as efficient catalysts for the methoxymethylation of alcohols under solvent-free conditions

Methoxymethylation of a variety of alcohols was performed using formaldehyde dimethyl acetal in the presence of 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin [DCDMH] and Poly N,N′-dibromo-N-ethyl naphthyl-2,7-disulfonamide [PBNS] as catalysts at room temperature and under solvent-free conditions. Our experiments show that primary and secondary alcohols can be smoothly converted into the corresponding MOM-ethers in excellent yields. The methoxymethyl ethers (MOM-ethers) were obtained with good to excellent yields. 1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin [DCDMH] and Poly N,N′-dibromo-N-ethyl naphthyl-2,7-disulfonamide [PBNS] effectively catalyzed the methoxymethylation of alcohols with dimethoxymethane at ambient temperature. The notable advantages of this method are mild reaction conditions, high yields, cheapness, safety and eco-friendliness, and recyclability of the catalysts.