Exploiting Random Polymers as Functional-Group-Selective Catalysts with Structural Adaptability

26 May 2025, Version 1
This content is a preprint and has not undergone peer review at the time of posting.

Abstract

The design of artificial selective catalysts that function effectively across structurally diverse substrates remains a long-standing challenge. In this study, we demonstrate that a random heteropolymer, synthesized via radical polymerization, can function as a general catalyst for the selective epoxidation of structurally diverse olefinic quaternary ammonium salts. This three-monomer-based polymer catalyst exhibits exceptional functional-group selectivity and remarkable structural adaptability that cannot be achieved by conventional small-molecule catalysts. Beyond reusability, our approach highlights the often-overlooked advantages of polymer catalysis, paving the way for its application in a broad spectrum of selective chemical transformations.

Keywords

epoxidation
polymer
hydrogen bonding
selectivity
ammonium

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