1. Methods for the synthesis of ortho-esters based on 3, 6-di-tert-butylpyrocatechol have been developed. 2. Concepts on the mechanisms of formation of orthoformate and orthocarbonate in the reaction of 3, 6-di-tert-butylpyrocatechol with chloroform and carbon tetrachloride in two-phase catalytic systems have been formulated.