Polymer Supported Catalysts in Organic Reactions: Advancements and Applications in Phase Transfer Catalysis

Abstract

Phase Transfer Catalysis (PTC) is an effective approach for the synthesis of organic reactionsinvolving two immiscible-phased molecules. The purpose of this work is to develop several soluble andinsoluble phase-transfer catalysts for the heterogeneous synthesis of various chemical compoundsutilizing ultrasonic energy. Although chemical reactants reside in immiscible phases, phase-transfercatalysts may move one of the reactants over the interface into the other phase where the reactionhappens, resulting in moderately high conversion and selectivity for the desired product. In general,quaternary onium salts, such as tetra alkyl ammonium or phosphonium salts (Q+ X-), are effectivecatalysts for accelerating the expansion of phase-transfer catalysis, a promising method for organicsynthesis. It requires a simple experimental approach, mild reaction conditions, expensive andenvironmentally friendly ingredients and solvents, and has the potential for large-scale production.Nowadays, phase-transfer catalysis seems to be a leading synthetic approach, appreciated not only inmany fields of organic chemistry, but also in a vast array of commercial applications.