Poly(4-vinylimidazolium) iodides: a highly recyclable organocatalyst precursor for benzoin condensation reaction

The development of highly efficient, recyclable poly(4-vinylimidazolium) iodides (2) for the benzoin condensation reaction under mild reaction conditions is discussed: poly(4-vinyl N-heterocyclic carbene)s (3) obtained from 2 showed higher catalytic activity than monomeric 4-vinyl N-heterocyclic carbene and could be successfully recovered and reused over seven times without loss of performance.