Preparation of diphenyl acetonitrile by phase transfer catalysis

Preparation of diphenyl acetonitrile has been investigated by the reaction of diphenyl methyl bromide with aqueous sodium cyanide, using quaternary ammonium salts as phase transfer catalysts. The effect of catalyst, temperature, catalyst loading, and reactant concentration on the conversion of diphenyl methyl bromide to diphenyl acetonitrile has been studied. Suitable process conditions have been established for the production of diphenyl acetonitrile.