KINETICS OF FORMATION OF DIPHENOXYMETHANE FROM PHENOL AND DICHLOROMETHANE USING PHASE-TRANSFER CATALYSIS

The reactions of phenol with dichloromethane using quaternary ammonium salts as a liquid-liquid phase-transfer catalyst in an organic solven t/ alkaline solution were investigated. The technique of phase-transfe r catalysis had a dramatic accelerating effect on the reaction and inc reased the yield of diphenoxymethane by more than 95%. The effects of catalysts, temperature, and basic concentration on reaction rate were studied in order to find the optimum operating conditions for this rea ction. Experimental results indicated that a potassium hydroxide was p referred over sodium hydroxide in order to enhance the reactivity of t he reaction. The reaction rate constant and the distribution coefficie nt of the intermediate product were obtained. During the reaction, the concentration of the intermediate product was also measured in order to study its behavior in the liquid-liquid system.