A comparative study on the anisole methylation with methanol over lanthanum-promoted SnO2 catalyst and its sulfate-doped analogue is presented. A maximum 2,6-xylenol selectivity of 82% was achieved at 400 degreesC under optimized conditions at an anisole conversion of 65% over lanthanum-promoted SnO2 catalyst. The sulfate modification resulted in the dealkylation of anisole to phenol followed by several unselective side reactions due to the creation of strong acid sites. The activity of lanthanum-modified tin oxide catalysts in the selective formation of 2,6-xylenol is ascribed to the presence of weak Lewis acid sites and comparatively stronger basic sites.