Phase-transfer catalysis and ultrasonic waves I. Cannizzaro reaction

The aim of this work is to study the effect of an ultrasonic wave on the Cannizzaro reaction catalyzed by a phase-transfer catalyst. The reaction of benzaldehyde with potassium hydroxide was chosen as the reference reaction. The kinetics of the reaction was followed by the amount of benzoic acid which is well characterized and easily isolatable. Investigations were made on variables such as the kind of aldehyde, the phase-transfer catalyst, the temperature and the frequency of ultrasonic wave. As the phase-transfer catalyst depends strongly on mass transfer between two phases, it is well understood that ultrasonic waves have a greater efficiency of interface mixing than conventional agitation. The results showed that an ultrasonic wave of 20 kHz dramatically accelerates on the reaction.