Course: Phase Transfer Catalysis: General Principles, Mechanisms and Applications

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 20, 21 and 22 May,
11.00-13.00 h
Facultad de Ciencias, 01.00.AU.312
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

This cycle of lectures will introduce the basic principles of phase transfer catalysis,
giving an overview of the generally accepted main mechanisms, the fields of applications,
advantages offered by this technique, and the types of catalysts employed. As regards the latter
aspect, the different properties of quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts and neutral
cation-binding molecules will be highlighted. The effect of different reaction parameters such as
the catalyst structure, solvent, type of non-organic phase, type of added salts, on the
effectiveness of the process will be discussed. Finally, a short description of the types of chiral
catalysts employed for the enantioselective phase-transfer catalysis will be made.