Interfacial area generation in two-phase systems and its effect on kinetics of phase transfer catalyzed reactions

Abstract

Rigorous treatment of PTC reaction kinetics requires a knowledge of how the system is affected by changes in interfacial area generation since this variable strongly affects the rates of the transfer step. Here, a simple equation is derived for estimation of interfacial area generation in laminar-flow liquid-liquid systems. While derivation of this equation did not consider many of the sophisticated and relevant phenomena which affect interfacial area generation, particularly those which occur at higher stirring speeds, the equation is highly useful for mathematical simulation of PTC kinetics to determine expected apparent reaction rate - stirring rate profiles. The equation also indicates a reciprocal relationship between interfacial tension and the rates of PTC reactions for which the transfer step is rate controlling. Calculation results are shown to be consistent with reported experimental data.