Superior catalytic efficiency of a new multi-site phase transfer catalyst in the C-alkylation of dimedone – A kinetic study

This study reports the facile synthesis of a new multi-site phase transfer catalyst, 1,3,5-tris((N,N,N-triethylammonio)methylphenyl)benzene trichloride (TEAMPBTC). The catalytic potential of this new multi-site phase transfer catalyst was demonstrated by following the kinetics of C-alkylation of dimedone at 50 °C. The influence of various experimental parameters on the rate of the reaction has been investigated in detail. Based on the experimental results, a suitable reaction mechanism is proposed.