Catalysis continued alkyl halides

Consequently a process was developed where the required TAA salts are formed directly during the reaction and continuously regenerated via ion exchange with the aqueous phase. Since one TAA cation can transfer into the organic phase a great number of required anions via multiple ion exchange, the TAA salts can be used in much smaller than stoichiometric quantities, acting virtually as catalysts. The term phase-transfer catalysis is usied for this type of processes(3). This principle is conveniently explained when the cyanation of an alkyl halide, dissolved in a hydrocarbon with aqueous solution of sodium cyanide, is considered(3). 

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