As the chemical reactants reside in immiscible phases, phase transfer (PT) catalysts have the ability to carry one of the reactants as a highly active species for penetrating the interface, into the other phase where the reaction takes place, and to give a high conversion and selectivity for the desired product under mild reaction conditions. This type of reaction was termed ‘‘phase-transfer ca...

INTRODUCTION Phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) involves the use of environmentally benign organocatalysts, mild reaction conditions, and simple experimental procedures that are insensitive to air/moisture and amenable to large-scale processes. Furthermore, the use of inexpensive inorganic bases such as NaOH in place of expensive moisture-sensitive hydride, alkoxide and amide bases makes PTC an att...

The advantages of PTC for industrial processes are discussed and recent progress in catalysts, methodology and applications is critically reviewed. Various trends and new applications of commercial interest are emphasized.

Basic concept of phase-transfer catalysis (PTC), its field of applications and specific features as the most general, efficient, and environment-friendly green methodology of organic synthesis, particularly for industrial processes, is discussed. Organic synthesis is the principal way to produce chemical products of practical applications such as pharmaceuticals, plant protection agents, dyes, ...