This book is a definitive reference on phase-transfer catalysis (PTC), written by the three foremost industrial and academic PTC experts in the world. Interest in PTC - first developed in the 1970s by Dr Starks and Dr Liotta - has grown exponentially in the last ten years because of the many advantages it offers. These include high yields under mild and convenient reaction conditions; increased plant capacity; pollution prevention through elimination of toxic solvents; new possibilities for using more desirable raw materials and solvents; and improved control over reaction rates and heat generation. Phase-Transfer Catalysis, the first practical guide to performing PTC in industry, includes key information and analyses found in no other publication. The book provides a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of PTC as a synthetic organic chemistry technique, including reaction mechanisms, selectivity, rates and kinetics. It gives specific guidelines on how to optimize catalyst, solvent, base, hydration, and more, based on reaction characteristics. The section on applications includes nucleophilic displacement reactions, oxidation and reduction reactions, and such special topics as insoluble PTC (triphase catalysis), polymerization, chiral catalysis, applications in environmental and analytical chemistry, and transition metal co-catalyzed PTC. Throughout the book, PTC applications in key industries are discussed - including organic chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, monomers, petrochemicals, flavours and fragrances, additives, dyes, and specialty chemicals. Phase-Transfer Catalysis should serve as a resource for synthetic organic chemists, polymer chemists, process chemists, development chemists, and chemical engineers in academia and industry. Organic process chemists seeking greater process flexibility, reduced manufacturing costs and pollution, and easier compliance with environmental regulations should find it an indispensable reference. This book should be of interest to synthetic organic chemists, polymer chemists, process chemists, development chemists, and chemical engineers in academia and industry.