Switchable-polarity solvents prepared with a single liquid component

J Org Chem. 2008 Jan 4;73(1):127-32. doi: 10.1021/jo7017697. Epub 2007 Dec 8.

Abstract

Known liquids that can reversibly switch their polarity at atmospheric pressure are all prepared as mixtures of two liquid components; we now report a series of switchable-polarity solvents that consist, in their low-polarity form, of only a single liquid component, a secondary amine. These solvents operate in a polarity range that is significantly lower than those of previously reported switchable solvents. Application to the separation and purification of a polymer and recovery of a catalyst is described.