PHASE-TRANSFER REACTIONS CATALYZED BY POLYMER-SUPPORTED IMIDAZOLES

Polymer-supported imidazoles were prepared by copolymerization of viny l monomers containing imidazole moiety, styrene, and divinylbenzene wi th AIBN. The resulting polymers accelerated the reaction of octyl brom ide with potassium thiocyanate, and the alkylation of an active methyl ene compound, benzyl cyanide, under phase-transfer conditions. The lat ter catalytic reaction afforded monoalkylated compound exclusively, al though dialkylated compound was also obtained in monomeric alkylimidaz ole catalyzed reaction. Further, these polymers served as phase-transf er catalysts for the reduction of acetophenone by sodium borohydride. The relationship between the structure and catalytic activity, and the factors governing these catalytic reactions were examined.