Energy efficient Pfitzinger reaction: a novel strategy using a surfactant catalyst

Abstract

A novel energy efficient method for the Pfitzinger reaction is demonstrated, which is catalysed using a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide. The surfactant nature of the catalyst caused the substrate to be soluble in aqueous media, which enhanced the interaction of the catalyst with the substrate. An increase in the rate of reaction and more than 78% of energy saving were observed under ultrasonic irradiation.