Crown ethers are examples of phase-transfer catalysts (PTC). PTC takes the ionic nucleophile and brings it into the organic layer. There they pick up the leaving group anion and bring it back into the aqueous layer. The leaving group is transferred for another nucleophile and the whole process continues. PTC allows SN2 reactions to occur in the best possible solvent, ___ .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PTC allows SN2 reactions to occur in the best possible solvent, nonpolar aprotic. This is because SN2 reactions are favored by nonpolar solvents, which allow the nucleophile to approach the electrophile more easily.

Crown Ethers Are Examples of Phase-Transfer Catalysts (PTC)