Solvent-free alkylation of dimethyl malonate using benzyl alcohols catalyzed by FeCl3/SiO2

Activated methylene compound such as dimethyl malonate reacted readily with benzylic alcohols in the presence of ferric chloride/silica gel mixture (FeCl3/SiO2) under microwave irradiation to produce benzylic derivative of dimethyl malonate in high yields in solvent-free condition.