Mechanism of solid/liquid phase-transfer catalysis in the presence of potassium carbonate: alkylation of pyrrolidin-2-one

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Abstract
Solid potassium carbonate is the base chosen for the solid/liquid phase-transfer catalysed benzylation of pyrrolidin-2-one. A kinetic and mechanistic study has been carried out in which the effects of various parameters on the behaviour of the system have been evaluated. It was concluded that this reaction proceeds via the ‘interfacial mechanism’ and no extraction of the carbonate anion is taking place. In addition, the essential role of water in this process was found to be similar to its function in the ‘extraction mechanism.’
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