A simple, high-yield procedure has been developed for the ortho-lithiation and subsequent ortho-substitution of phenols by a manifold of electrophiles. N,C-Dilithiation of O-aryl N-monoalkylcarbamates proved to be impossible due to a cleavage reaction of the monolithiated intermediates. However, in situ N-silylation of O-aryl N-isopropylcarbamates proceeds smoothly with trialkylsilyl triflates N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). Separation of the formed O-aryl N-isopropyl-N-trialkylsilylcarbamates from the byproduct TMEDA·HOTf, which is insoluble in diethyl ether or toluene, is not required. ortho-Lithiation with n-butyllithiumTMEDA at 78°C leads to the corresponding aryllithium, which does not undergo anionic ortho-Fries rearrangement under the reaction conditions, but is efficiently substituted by electrophilic reagents. During the aqueous work-up, the N-silyl group is removed and the corresponding ortho-substituted O-aryl N-isopropylcarbamate is isolated. Among the introduced electrophiles are: Me3Si, Bu3Sn, PhS, I, Br, Cl, alkyl, α-hydroxyalkyl. Liberation of the free phenols is performed under mild alkaline conditions.Key words: directed ortho-metalation, ortho-lithiated O-aryl carbamates, ortho-substituted phenols, in situ protection of N-monoalkylcarbamates.