Phase transfer catalysis nitrile synthesis

The fundamental theory of phase transfer catalysis (PTC) has been reviewed extensively. Rather than attempt to find a mutual solvent for all of the reactive species, an appropriate catalyst is identified which modifies the solubility characteristics of one of the reactive species relative to the phase in which it is poorly solubilized. The literature on the use of PTC in the preparation of nitriles, halides, ether, and dihalocarbenes is extensive. Although PTC in the synthesis of C- and 0-alkylated organic compounds has been studied, the use of PTC in polymer synthesis or polymer modification is not as well studied. A general review of PTC in polymer synthesis was published by Mathias. FrecheE described the use of PTC in the modification of halogenated polymers such as poly(vinyl bromide), and Nishikubo and co-workers disclosed the reaction of poly(chloromethylstyrene) with nucleophiles under PTC conditions. Liotta and co-workers reported the 0-alkylation of bituminous coal with either 1-bromoheptane or 1-bromooctadecane. Poor 0-alkylation efficiencies were reported with alkali metal hydroxides but excellent reactivity and efficiencies were found with the use of quaternary ammonium hydroxides, especially tetrabutyl- and tetrahexylammonium hydroxides. These results are indeed noteworthy because coal is a mineral and is not thought of as a reactive and swellable polymer. Clearly if coal can be efficiently 0-alkylated under PTC conditions, then efficient 0-alkylation of cellulose ethers should also be possible. 

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