PHASE TRANSFER CATALYSIS.

Abstract

A description is presented of a new technique in which reactions are conducted in acqueous-organic two-phase systems and are catalyzed by an ammonium or phosphonium salt. This method, in addition to its versatility and speed, has no need of the anhydrous solvents otherwise required and will therefore attract increasing industrial interest. As this report demonstrates, most experience has been gained with carbene generation and alkylation; other reactions (hydrolyses, condensations, oxidations) have also been executed in two-phase systems with catalysts. Examples demonstrate applications of this method.