Copolymers of polystyrene - New polymer supports for asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohols

Tartrate-functionalized polystyrene copolymers were prepared with divinyl b enzene, tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, and diallyl tartrate as the crossli nking agents. These insoluble materials possessed the unique advantages of heterogeneous reagents. These resins were used to support the asymmetric ep oxidation of allylic alcohols along with titanium tetraisopropoxide and ter t-butyl hydroperoxide with reasonably good yields and a high enantiomeric e xcess. The swelling behavior and molecular architecture of the polymer back bone significantly influenced the effectiveness of the catalyst. (C) 2000 J ohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.