| Abstract: | Benzyl phenyl ether is prepared in a well-stirred batch reactor from phenol and benzyl chloride using tetrabutylammonium iodide as phase transfer catalyst. Phenol with sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water as the aqueous phase, and benzyl chloride is dissolved in toluene as the organic phase. Tetrabutylammonium iodide gives high reaction rate without the formation of micelles during the reaction. The reaction mechanism is verified by infrared spectrum study and other experimental observations. The kinetics of the reaction of benzyl chloride is modelled as a first-order chemical reaction. The cocatalytic effect of the iodide ion, and salting out effect on the overall reaction rate are discussed in detail using experimental data. |
