Lactamomethylation of alkylphenols: synthesis and quantum-chemical study of the reaction pathway

Six novel lactamomethyl derivatives of 2,5-dimethylphenol and 2,3,5-trimethylphenol were prepared with moderate yields by the reaction corresponding phenols 1-(hydroxymethyl)lactams in presence an acid catalyst. In all cases, substitution occurred at position 4 to phenolic hydroxyl group. The structures synthesized compounds confirmed FT-IR, 1 H 13 C NMR, 2D NMR elemental analysis. selectivity possible pathways lactamomethylation studied quantum-chemical methods. silico calculations showed that para -position group was more preferable due higher stability forming intermediates.