Tetrabutyl ammonium bromide-mediated benzylation of phenols in water under mild condition

Benzylation of phenol was successfully achieved in water under room temperature mediated by tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) for only 2 h affording the corresponding benzyl phenyl ether with good to excellent yields. This protocol is very efficient, simple, avoiding catalysts, easy to work-up after reaction, and especially 'green'.