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

Abstract

Tartrate-functionalized polystyrene copolymers were prepared with divinyl benzene, tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, and diallyl tartrate as the crosslinking agents. These insoluble materials possessed the unique advantages of heterogeneous reagents. These resins were used to support the asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohols along with titanium tetraisopropoxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide with reasonably good yields and a high enantiomeric excess. The swelling behavior and molecular architecture of the polymer backbone significantly influenced the effectiveness of the catalyst.