Phase-transfer Catalyst Market To Reach $1.68 Billion By 2030

Phase-transfer Catalyst Market Growth & Trends

The global phase-transfer catalyst market size is estimated to reach USD 1.68 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. One of the key growth drivers is their extensive use in the chemicals industry for the synthesis of various products using reactions such as amine alkylation, esterification, nucleophilic substitution, and hydrogenation. Ammonium salts are used as phase transfer catalysts (PTCs) in the production of esters used as intermediates and solvents for making fragrances, flavors, and other chemical compounds.

Phase transfer catalysts play a major role in applications regarding waste management, where they aid the extraction and removal of contaminants in soil or water. Hydrophobic contaminants found in aqueous solutions can include several pollutants such as pesticides, industrial residue chemicals, and hydrocarbons. PTCs such as ammonium salts help convert these compounds into an organic solvent phase for subsequent removal.

The pharmaceutical sector forms a major end-user industry for phase transfer catalysts with applications such as drug formulation, where hydrogenation reaction is used to mimic metabolic reactions in order to understand how the drugs would be metabolized in the body. The global pharmaceutical industry has expanded rapidly in the last few years, especially in countries such as the U.S., India, and China. These countries have large populations with a significant number of ailing patients in need of healthcare assistance.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed effect on the phase transfer catalyst market with some of the end-user industries such as chemicals, slowing down due to supply route disruptions, lockdowns, and social distancing measures. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry got a major boost due to increased requirements for life-saving drugs, vaccines, and other medicines during the pandemic period. The pharma sector also adopted a more flexible approach towards regulatory compliances, fast-tracking the drug development process from clinical trials, and manufacturing to distribution.

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Phase-transfer Catalyst Market Report Highlights

• The ammonium salts segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 48.5% in 2024. This growth is driven by their extensive use in alkylation and nucleophilic substitution reactions across the chemical and polymer industries.

• The pharmaceuticals segment dominated the market in 2024. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes PTCs in synthesis, drug formulation, research and development, and other laboratory applications.

• Asia Pacific phase-transfer catalysts market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, driven by rapid industrial growth and an expanding chemical manufacturing sector.

• Phase transfer catalysts aid in creating safe conditions for industrial processes by eliminating the need for toxic reactants and hence are major drivers for the cause of green chemistry

Phase-transfer Catalyst Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global phase-transfer catalyst market report based on type, end use, and region:

Phase-transfer Catalyst Type Outlook (Volume, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Ammonium Salts

• Potassium Salts

• Others

Phase-transfer Catalyst End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Pharmaceuticals

• Agriculture

• Chemical

• Others

Phase-transfer Catalyst Regional Outlook (Volume, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • Germany

  • U.K.

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • India

  • Japan

• Central & South America

  • Brazil

  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa

  • Saudi Arabia

  • South Africa

List of Key Players in Phase-transfer Catalyst Market

• SACHEM, INC.

• Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

• Nippon Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.

• Pat Impex

• Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem Limited

• Central Drug House

• Volant-Chem Corp.

• Pacific Organics Pvt Ltd

• Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd.