Phase Transfer Catalysis – Basic Principles, Mechanism and Specific Features

A short account of discovery, development of basic mechanistic concepts, and variants of Phase Transfer Catalysis is presented. Keywords: Phase transfer catalysis, interfacial reactions, quaternary ammonium salts, dichlorocarbene, gem-dichlorocyclopropanes, alkylation, lipophilic cations, TEBA catalyst, carbanions, cyanation, solvation, t-butoxide, DCC reaction, cryptands, enantioselectivity