Phase Transfer Catalysts & Specialty Agents
Welcome to OUHE Technology’s catalog of phase transfer catalysts and specialty agents. We supply high-purity quaternary ammonium salts, quaternary phosphonium salts, and crown ethers essential for biphasic nucleophilic substitutions, industrial alkylations, and green organic synthesis. Use our advanced search bar to filter by CAS number or product name to secure your target catalysts.
Accelerating Biphasic Reactions via Lipophilic Ion-Pair Transport
Biphasic organic synthesis often suffers from slow reaction rates due to the mutual insolubility of aqueous reagents and organic substrates. At OUHE Technology, our high-purity phase transfer catalysts facilitate the transport of inorganic anions into organic phases by forming lipophilic ion pairs. This process significantly accelerates nucleophilic substitutions and industrial alkylations under mild, solvent-saving conditions.
Structural Classes: Ammonium, Phosphonium, and Crown Ethers
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Quaternary Ammonium Salts (TBAB & TBAHS): Highly effective, cost-efficient catalysts designed for standard temperature alkylations, condensations, and phase transfers.
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Quaternary Phosphonium Salts (TBPB): Thermally stable catalysts that resist Hofmann elimination pathways, optimized for high-temperature and strongly basic industrial reactions.
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Crown Ethers (18-Crown-6): Cyclic polyethers designed for selective metal-cation complexation (K⁺ or Na⁺), solubilizing inorganic salts in non-polar organic solvents.
Preventing Hygroscopic Deliquescence and Assuring Active Titer
Many quaternary salts are extremely hygroscopic, rapidly absorbing atmospheric moisture to form sticky syrups or hard clumps. This deliquescence compromises precise stoichiometric charging. We prevent clumping and moisture-induced degradation by packaging our catalysts under dry nitrogen in robust moisture-barrier containers. Every batch is verified using high-resolution HPLC or ion chromatography to guarantee precise active halide and cation concentrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Quaternary salts rapidly absorb moisture and deliquesce. We package our hygroscopic catalysts under dry nitrogen in dual-layer, moisture-barrier containers. We recommend keeping storage dry and tightly sealed immediately after use.
A: Quaternary ammonium salts undergo thermal degradation (Hofmann elimination) at high temperatures. Choose thermally stable phosphonium salts (like TBPB) for reactions exceeding 100°C or involving highly basic conditions.
A: We analyze active quaternary cation and halide concentrations using high-resolution HPLC or ion chromatography. We also perform Karl Fischer titration to strictly control water content, providing a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA).