Synthesis of porous supports containing N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)- or N-(3-4-dihydroxybenzyl) maleimide-anchored titanates and application as catalysts fortransesterification and epoxidation reactions

N-(p-acetoxyphenyl)maleimide and N-(piperonyl)maleimide were polymerized in suspension to give macroporous supports. After deprotection of the p-aceto xyphenyl and of the piperonyl groups, resins with pendant p-hydroxyphenyl a nd catechol units were obtained. These results illustrate a very easy and c onvenient way to synthesize phenol and catechol containing supports. Polyme r-supported transesterification and epoxidation catalysts were obtained by immobilization of Ti(OiPr)(4) and TiCl4. These catalysts were efficient for both reactions and could be recycled several times although some titanium leaching (less than or equal to 20%) was observed in each case. (C) 2000 Jo hn Wiley & Sons, Inc.