The first example of a phase-transfer-catalyzed reaction carried
out in a supercritical fluid (SCF)
is reported. The kinetics of the nucleophilic displacement of
benzyl chloride with a bromide ion
in SCF solvent CO2 in the presence of acetone cosolvent is
presented. In addition, the solubility
of tetraheptylammonium bromide (THAB) in SCF CO2 in the
presence of acetone cosolvent is
reported. The reaction rate was measured at 50 and 75 °C at
pressures to 200 bar; the reaction
was found to follow first-order, reversible kinetics for the reactions
catalyzed by THAB and
zero-order kinetics for reactions catalyzed by 18-crown-6.
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