A process for the production of hydroxyalkylated phenolic or hydroxyalkylated thiophenolic compounds is disclosed. The process comprises providing a phenolic or thiophenolic compound, a cyclic organic carbonate compound, and a catalyst selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alcohol-derived salt of the alkali metal, and mixtures thereof; and reacting the phenolic compound and the cyclic organic carbonate compound in the presence of the catalyst to form the hydroxyalkylated phenolic or hydroxyalkylated thiophenolic compound. Preferably, the alkali metal is selected from sodium, potassium, or lithium.