Synthesis of dialkyl peroxides in the presence of polyethylene glycol or its derivatives as phase-transfer catalyst in liquid-liquid-liquid system

Synthesis of dialkyl peroxides in the presence of polyethylene glycol or its derivatives (PEG) as phase-transfer catalyst in liquid-liquid-liquid system was investigated. Conditions for forming a third-liquid phase, rich in phase-transfer catalyst were determined and included the amount and concentration of NaOH in the aqueous phase and the kind of organic solvent. The effect of chain length of PEG and possibility of catalyst recycling was also examined. Selected dialkyl peroxides were obtained in high yields.