Aliquat 336


Aliquat 336 is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a phase transfer catalyst and metal extraction reagent. It contains a mixture of C8 and C10 chains with C8 predominating. It is an ionic liquid.

Applications

Organic Chemistry

Aliquat 336 is used as a phase transfer catalyst, including in the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexene to 1,6-hexanedioic acid. This reaction is more environmentally friendly. It is an example of green chemistry, compared with the traditional method of oxidizing cyclohexanol or cyclohexanone with nitric acid or potassium permanganate, which produce hazardous wastes.
Aliquat 336 was used in the total synthesis of manzamine A by Darren Dixon in an early step to the electrophile.

[Solvent extraction] of metals

Aliquat 336 has been used for the extraction of metals, it does so by acting as a liquid anion exchanger. It is often used while diluted in hydrocarbon solvents such as aromatic kerosene. It is possible to use it in aliphatic kerosene but in such solvents often a phase modifier must be added to prevent the formation of third phase.