Phase-transfer and other types of catalysis with cyclopropenium ions

Abstract

This work establishes the cyclopropenium ion as a viable platform for efficient phase-transfer catalysis of a diverse range of organic transformations. The amenability of these catalysts to large-scale synthesis and structural modification is demonstrated. Evaluation of the molecular structure of an optimal catalyst reveals some unique structural features of these systems. Finally, a discussion of electronic charge distribution underscores an important consideration for catalyst design.

Keywords: aromatic ions; aromaticity; cyclopropenium; phase-transfer catalysis; structure-activity relationships.