PolyHIPE supports in batch and flow-through Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

As part of ongoing research efforts to discover alternative support materials to polymer beads for use in polymer-supported synthesis, particularly under flow-through conditions, this work involves the synthesis of PolyHIPE (High Internal Phase Emulsion) polymer monoliths. PolyHIPEs containing high loadings of chloromethyl groups were efficiently prepared by the direct copolymerization of 4-vinylbenzyl chloride and divinylbenzene monomers. The 'Merrifield' PolyHIPE proved to be an excellent support for batch and flow-through Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. A remarkably high yield of pure biaryl product was obtained using the PolyHIPE support in cubic form and utilizing an electron-rich boronic acid. In comparison to polymer beads, this material was found to be a much more efficient support in both batch and continuous flow modes. PolyHIPE converted a greater amount of chloromethyl groups into biaryl product under identical reaction conditions. It is suggested that the absence of channelling with PolyHIPE monoliths gives better performance under flow-through conditions than permanently porous beads.