Phase-transfer catalyzed N-ethylation of N-ethyl-2-phenylacetamide

Abstract

Phase-transfer catalyzed N-ethylations of N-ethyl-2-phenylacetamide (EPA) in the presence of powdered KOH (solid-liquid system) have been carried out in order to establish the effect of catalyst structure on the reaction. The formation of O- and C-products of alkylation is monitored. The effect of temperature on N-alkylation as well as on the rearrangement of O- to N-product of alkylation has been investigated. The influence of the structure of the quaternary ammonium cation (quat) and the anion type on the yield of the N-ethylation product is also discussed. A suitable mechanism for the phase-transfer catalysed reaction is suggested.