Phase-transfer catalysis by tetraethylammonium bromide: Reaction of furyl, thienyl and indolyl chalcones with potassium superoxide

Abstract

Reaction of tetraethylammonium superoxide (KO2/Et4NBr in DMF) with various furyl, thienyl and indolyl chalcones (scheme 1) affords cleaved carboxylic acid(s) under significantly mild conditions. The investigation highlights the use of tetra-ethylammonium bromide (Et4NBr) as an efficient phase transfer catalyst.