A phase-transfer catalyst enables the reaction in a heterogeneous system between general organic compounds soluble in organic solvents and compounds soluble in water such as inorganic salts.

1. Phase Transfer Catalyst
A phase transfer catalyst is a catalyst which smoothen the migration of a reactant in a
heterogeneous system from one phase into another phase where reaction can take place.
Ionic reactants are often soluble in an aqueous phase but are insoluble in an organic phase
unless the phase transfer catalyst is present.
Types of phase-transfer catalysts
Phase transfer catalysts for early reactants are often quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts.
Typical catalysts include benzyltrimethylammonium chloride and hexadecyltributylphosphonium
bromide.
The below are general products of phase transfer catalysts.
• QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
• QUATERNARY PHOSPHONIUM COMPOUNDS
• PYRIDINIUM SALTS
• HYDROXIDES
• ELECTROLYTE SALTS
• METHYLATING AGENTS
• SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
Typical phase-transfer catalysts ammonium salts 1-4 and phosphonium salts 5,6
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2. The principle of phase-transfer catalysis (by Makosza)
The catalyst (Bu4P+Cl-) contains highly lipophilic butyl groups, which makes the
compound soluble in an organic solvent. It is also a polar phosphonium salt, which makes
the compound soluble in water as well.
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