Synthesis and resolution of enantiomeric quaternary ammonium halides

The purpose of the work described in this thesis was the synthesis of a new class of surfactants containing chiral cationic end groups and the synthesis of two chiral reactant molecules which would react in the presence of these surfactants. The structures of the surfactant and substrate molecules were designed to maximize their stereochemical interactions and in this way reveal details of the nature of micellar catalysis. In order to indicate why these structures were selected, several examples of micellar catalysis and the factors influencing it will be discussed in the following pages