Selective mono-N-methylation of aniline with dimethyl carbonate is carried out over faujasite Y zeolites. This one pot protocol is highly selective, favouring mono-N-methylation. Benzylation with dibenzyl carbonate is also found to be very selective, resulting in exclusive monobenzylation. Other advantages such as lower temperature, less rigorous reaction conditions, absence of C-alkylation products, etc., are also highlighted. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.