PHASE-TRANSFER CATALYSIS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ALIPHATIC NITROCOMPOUNDS.2. METHYLATION OF TRINITROMETHANE UNDER CONDITIONS OF PHASE-TRANSFERCATALYSIS IN A LIQUID-LIQUID SYSTEM

The methylation of trinitromethane (TNM) Na-salt under phase transfer catalysis (PTC) conditions was studied in a two-phase system (aqueous solution of TNM Na-salt-CH3I). The obtained data revealed a relationsh ip between the yield of the methylation product (1,1,1-trinitroethane) and the nature of the phase transfer catalyst and the degree of TNM a nion transfer to the organic phase. The kinetic measurements showed th at higher efficiency of methylation was achieved under PTC conditions than occurs in a homogeneous reaction due to the fact that the reactio n proceeded in the CH3I medium.