Description

• General description: Tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) is a quaternary ammonium compound.[1] It is the most widely used phase transfer catalyst.[2] Its interfacial properties have been studied in case of hydroxide initiated reactions. This may be applied in understanding the mechanism of phase transfer reactions.[1] TBAB is reported to decrease retention time and remove peak tailing by acting as an ion pair reagent during the chromatographic analysis of quaternary ammonium compounds.[2] In the molten state TBAB behaves like an ionic liquid which is a promising green alternative to organic solvents in organic synthesis.[3][4] Its molar heat capacity, entropy and free energy function have been determined.[5]
• Application: Tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) may be used in the molten state in the following processes:Synthesis of (2S)-5-(3-phenyl-2-phthalimidylpropanoylamino)isophthalic acid.[6]Synthesis of alkyl-substituted pyrroles in the absence of catalyst and organic solvent.[7]Synthesis of dithioacetals from acetals by transthioacetalisation in a solvent free environment.[8]Synthesis of polyamides (PAs) by the polymerization of terephthalic acid and diisocyanates.[4]Catalyze the addition of thiols to conjugated alkenes.[9]Dehydrochlorination of poly(vinyl chloride).[10]