Effect of the Structure of Phase-Transfer Catalyst on the Rate of Alkaline Hydrolysis of N-Benzyloxycarbonylglycine 4-Nitrophenyl Ester in the System Chloroform-Borate Buffer

Onium salts QZ (Z = Cl, Br) having a lipophilic (Q = R₃NR', where R' = C₁₆H₃₃) or readily extractable (into organic phase) cation (Q = Ph₄P) exhibit a high catalytic activity in phase-transfer alkaline hydrolysis of N-benzyloxycarbonylglycine 4-nitrophenyl ester in the two-phase system chloroform-borate buffer (pH 10). No catalytic effect is observed in the presence of hydrophilic ammonium salts [Et₄NCl, Et₃PhCH₂NCl, Me₂(NH₂)+NCH₂CH₂+N(NH₂)Me₂·2Br^-] and those insoluble in organic solvents [(Me)₃+NNH(CH₂)₂COO^-·2H₂O, Me₂(NH₂)+NCH₂CO^-, Me₂(NH₂)+N(CH₂)₃SO₃^-]. These data suggest extraction mechanism of the process. The activity of lipophilic cation Q is determined mainly by two factors: its extractibility, on the one hand, and the ability to form micelles, on the other.