Fluorous phase transfer catalysts: From onium salts to crown ethers

Fluorous quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts, as well as fluorous macrocyclic ligands, such as crown and aza-crown ethers, have been gradually emerging as viable alternatives to classical phase transfer catalysts. The major results thus far obtained in this burgeoning field will be the focus of this review.

Graphical abstractRecyclable fluorous analogues of standard phase transfer catalysts are able to transfer reactive anionic species from water or from a solid surface into a second organic or perfluorocarbon phase.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide