Alkylation of methyl salicylate with isoamylene (IA) and isobutylene (IB) was carried out using a cation-exchange resin (Indion 130) and an acid-treated clay (Engelhard F-24) as catalysts in the temperature range of 363-418 K. In the case of alkylation with IA, Engelhard F-24 showed better selectivity towards methyl [5-tert-amyl] salicylate as compared to that achieved with Indion 130; whereas for alkylation with IB, Indion 130 gave 100% selectivity towards methyl [5-tert-butyl] salicylate as compared to the 96% selectivity obtained with Engelhard F-24. Optimum conditions for attaining high selectivity were delineated. The experimental data were analyzed and correlated by a Langmuir-Hinshelwood model.