The allylation of anisole with allyl alcohol was investigated in liquid phase using 12-tungstophosphoric acid supported on zirconia (TPA/ZrO2) calcined at 750degreesC as the catalyst. The catalytic activity of 15% TPA/ZrO2 has been compared with zeolite catalysts under the optimized reaction conditions. The reaction was performed in the temperature range 140-200degreesC and allyl alcohol to anisole molar ratio 0.5-3, under nitrogen pressure. Higher molar ratio of allyl alcohol to anisole under optimum reaction conditions resulted in the formation of ortho-and para-allylanisole as the major products, while at lower molar ratio (excess of anisole), more of 1,1-bis(methoxyphenyl)propane was formed. The reaction was heterogeneously catalyzed, and no contribution from homogeneous (leached) TPA into reacting medium was observed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.