Green Methodology Development for the Surfactant Assisted Williamson Synthesis of 4-Benzyloxy Benzoic Acid (Ether) in Aqueous Media

Abstract Modern science and technology promote synthesis routes which are eco-friendly, chemicals which are promoted as “green” and solvents which are less toxic. A convenient method for the synthesis of ether by the reaction of 4-hydroxy benzoic acid and benzyl chloride using a surfactant as catalyst has been developed. The targeted ether is completely immiscible in water but in association with the interface active surfactants, the production of such a hydrophobic organic compound in water has been made possible. Micelles produce a pseudo-cellular organic environment to isolate species from the bulk solvent and favour the compartmentalization of reagents as well. Thus, the enhancement of the local concentration takes place and consequently the reactivity increases. The interaction of such unique chemo-, regio- and stereo-selectivity of surfactants made this reaction feasible. Organic species added to a micellar media are distributed between bulk water and micelles depending on their polarity, charge and dimension. This novel chemistry describes a set of green methods for carrying out this new generation Williamson reaction which can also be used for selective O-alkylation.