Abstract

Background: Phase transfer catalysis technique is recognized as an attractive method for synthesizing several organic compounds under heterogeneous reaction.

Methods: In this study, the effect of Multi-site Phase-Transfer Catalyst (MPTC) was tested during the synthesis of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-indole from 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene (CNB) and indole in a heterogeneous solid-liquid condition using sodium hydroxide at 50°C.

Results: In a synergetic condition, in the presence of MPTC the conversion of 1-chloro-4- nitrobenzeneyield was increased, which is proved the efficacy of this catalyst. In addition, the rate of this reaction was also enhanced by the change in volume of water.

Conclusion: The apparent reaction rate was found to be of pseudo-first-order kinetics. MPTC is a promising tool for many organic reactions. Therefore, increase the rate constant can be achieved by various parameters, such as temperature, MPTC, sodium hydroxide, and stirring speed.

Keywords: 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-indole, 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene, indole, kinetics, MPTC, solid-liquid reaction.

Graphical Abstract