Solvent, recovery from aldol reactions

Calix[n]arenes 1-3 were used as inverse PT catalysts in the alkylation of active methylene compounds with alkyl halides in aqueous NaOH solutions,and in aldol-type eondensation and Michael addition reactions. In the aikylation of phenylacetone with octyl bromide, the IPTC procedure enhanced the alkylation versus hydrolysis and C versus O alkylation selectivities with respect to those observed xmder classical PTC reactions in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) or hexadecyltributylammonium bromide (HTPB). Moreover, the aqueous catalyst solution was easily separated from the organic phase eontaining the products, and no organic solvent was required. In the case of the aldol-type condensation of benzaldehyde with indene or acetophenone in aqueous NaOH (Fig. 9), IPTC reaetions eatalyzed by I were compared with those conducted in aqueous micelles in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the sufactant. Although selectivities and yields were similar, the IPTC proeedure avoided the formation of emulsions, thus faciUtating product separation and catalyst recovery. In the light of the results obtained, water-soluble calix[ ]arenes 1-3 were proposed... 

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