POLYMER-SUPPORTED QUATERNARY AMMONIUM CYANIDES AND THEIR USE AS CATALYSTS IN THE BENZOIN CONDENSATION

Abstract
Polymer-supported quaternary ammonium cyanides, active as catalysts in the benzoin condensation, were prepared by using a Merrifield resin as starting material. Participation of the ammonium counter-ion in the transition state of the benzoin condensation is shown by the optical activity of benzoin when a chiral ammonium cyanide is used as the catalyst.