Phase transfer catalysis (PTC): search for alternative organic solvents, even environmentally benign

The use of aliphatic esters, ethers and ketones such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC), methyl-tert-amyl ether (MTAE), 5-methyl-2-hexanone (MIAK), 4-methyl-2-pentanone (MIBK) as an alternative to traditional solvents (toluene, chlorobenzene,etc.) was explored as a strategy for performing phase transfer catalyzed reactions in organic media, even environmentally benign.