Kinetic Study for the Synthesis of 1-nitro-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy) benzene in Solid-Liquid PTC Condition

Background: Currently, phase transfer catalysis is an experimental technique which is environmentally benign technique have become immensely popular in promoting various reactions. Methods: The reaction between 4-nitrophenol and propargyl bromide was carried out in a solid-liquid biphasic phase transfer catalytic system using potassium carbonate as base at 40°C. Results: Trace amount of water is introduced to the reaction system to enhance the reaction rate. The higher conversion of propargyl bromide was achieved in the presence of tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB) as catalyst. From the experimental evidence there is no side products were observed during or after the reaction. Conclusion: Various parameters were conducted to increase the conversion of propargyl bromide such as, stirring speed, various PTCs, temperature and amount of TBAB loading. All the experiments were conducted to obey pseudo-first order rate law. Apparent activation energy was also determined from the Arrhenius plot.