Synthesis and properties of functionalized β-cyclodextrin copolymer and its metal complexes

A novel copolymer was synthesized successfully via polymerization of part (6-O-butene diacid ester)-beta-cyclodextrin and styrene. Because the carboxyl groups of the new copolymer possess a strong chelating ability, the copolymer is capable of coordinating with metal ions. Utilizing this new ability, the copolymer metal complexes containing Cu(II) and Ag(I) were synthesized. The structures and properties of the copolymer and its metal complexes were characterized by IR, UV, MS, C-13 NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron spin resonance (ESR), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results show that the novel copolymer metal complexes were composed of the desired metal ion, polystyrene, and the functionalized beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). Furthermore, they possess stable electrochemical activity and are paramagnetic.