Organic Chemistry Aliquat 336 is used as a phase transfer catalyst, including in the catalytic oxidation of
cyclohexene to
1,6-hexanedioic acid. This reaction is an example of
green chemistry, as it is more environmentally friendly than the traditional method of oxidizing
cyclohexanol or
cyclohexanone with
nitric acid or
potassium permanganate, which produce hazardous wastes. Aliquat 336 was used in the total synthesis of
manzamine A by Darren Dixon.
Solvent extraction of metals Aliquat 336 has been used for the extraction of metals by acting as a liquid
anion exchanger. It is commonly used as a solution in hydrocarbon solvents such as aromatic
kerosene. Aliphatic kerosene can also be used, but requires the addition of a phase modifier (typically a long chain alcohol) to prevent the formation of third phase.
Waste treatment Several applications have been successfully carried out with Aliquat 336, such as the recovery of acids or
acid salts, or the removal of certain metals from
wastewater. In addition, foaming has also been controlled by using this agent during the treatment of wastewater containing
anionic surfactants. ==References==