Solvents as phase-transfer catalysts in reactions initiated by solid bases

Abstract

For reactions initiated by solid bases (e.g. potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate), solvents (e.g. water, Bu^tOH, polyethylene glycol, MeCN, Me₂SO) may act as solid-liquid phase transfer catalysts (e.g. for C–H, N–H or O–H alkylation by alkyl halides, or epoxidation by sulfonium or sulfoxonium salts).