The Basic Principle of Phase-Transfer Catalysis, Some Mechanistic Aspects and Important Applications

Phase-transfer catalysis PTC has been widely used for the synthesis of organic compounds for more than three decades. Phase transfer catalysis PTC uses catalytic amounts of phase transfer agents which facilitate interphase transfer of species making reactions between reagents in two immiscible phases possible. PTC is used widely in the synthesis of various organic chemicals in both liquid-liquid and solid-liquid systems. The scope and mechanistic features of PTC have been the aim of numerous studies. The use of PTC combined with other rate enhancement techniques like sonochemistry microwaves electroorganic synthesis and photochemistry is being increasingly explored. Applications in this area in the manufacture of organic intermediates and fine chemicals seem almost unlimited.