PHENOLYSES OF 1-BROMOETHYLBENZENE BY PHASE-TRANSFER CATALYSIS IN A HETEROGENEOUS 2-PHASE SYSTEM

The reaction of phenol with 1-bromoethylbenzene by liquid-liquid phase transfer catalysis in an organic solvent/alkaline solution was studie d. The effects of solvents, catalysts, temperature, and basic concentr ation on reaction rate, and the yield of O-arylation product were stud ied in order to find the optimum operating conditions for this reactio n. The addition of phase-transfer catalyst significantly enhanced the reaction rate and the yield of O-arylation product, and decreased the decomposition of O-arylation product. The proper basic concentration c ould decrease the capability of solvation between catalyst and water, and increase the O-arylated reactivity. In examining eight kinds of ph ase-transfer catalysts, benzyltributylammonium cation was found to be the best for increasing the reaction rate and the yield of O-arylation product.