Why Are Crown Ethers Important in Phase-Transfer Catalysis?
In phase-transfer catalysis (PTC), crown ethers can enhance the solubility of ionic reactants in organic solvents. By forming complexes with cations, crown ethers help to "transfer" the ionic species from an aqueous phase into an organic phase where the reaction occurs. This property is particularly valuable in facilitating reactions that involve nucleophilic substitutions, oxidations, and reductions.
