A Perspective on Catalysis in the Immiscible Liquid-Liquid System

This manuscript provides a perspective on research work related to the catalysis in the immiscible liquid-liquid system. Three catalytic concepts, i.e., phase-transfer catalysis (PTC), triphase catalysis (TPC), and phase-boundary catalysis (PBC), are presented as well as their use for the design of a better catalytic system. This perspective emphasizes based on the SWO (Strengths, Weaknesses, and Opportunities) analysis of PTC, TPC, and PBC and advances concept uses for future directions of research in this area.

Triphase Catalysis Using Silica Gel as Support

The oxidation reaction of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol with potassium permanganate in the presence and absence of silica-gel-supported phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) in triphasic conditions was studied. In a batch reactor, the performance of the solid-supported catalysts was compared with unsupported catalyst and without the catalyst. The effect of speed of agitation, catalyst concentration, potassium permanganate concentration and temperature on reaction rate was studied. The reaction is found to be in the kinetic regime. The rate of reaction with the catalyst immobilised on the silica gel was less compared to the catalyst without immobilisation. Triphase catalysis with supported PTCs has potential applications in the continuous quest for greener industrial practices.