Phase-Transfer Catalysis: Fundamentals, Applications, and Industrial Perspectives

This book is the definitive reference on phase-transfer catalysis (PTC). This first practical guide to performing PTC in industry, includes key information and analyses found in no other publication. The book provides a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of PTC as a synthetic organic chemistry technique, including reaction mechanisms, selectivity, rates and kinetics. It gives specific guidelines on how to optimize catalyst, solvent, base, hydration, and more, based on reaction characteristics. The section on applications includes nucleophilic displacement reactions, oxidation and reduction reactions, and such special topics as insoluble PTC (triphase catalysis), polymerization, chiral catalysis, applications in environmental and analytical chemistry, and transition metal co-catalyzed PTC. Throughout the book, PTC applications in key industries are discussed--including organic chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, monomers, petrochemicals, flavors and fragrances, additives, dyes, and specialty chemicals.