'Click' Functionalization of Cryogels Conveniently Verified and Quantified Using High-Resolution MAS NMR Spectroscopy

Chemical modification reactions of alkyne containing polyHEMA-based macroporous network structures (cryogels) by Cu(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne 'click' cycloaddition reactions and their monitoring and quantification with high-resolution magic angle spinning (hr-MAS) NMR spectroscopy are reported. Complete conversion is obtained when benzylazide is reacted with the grafted alkyne function, but only partial conversion is observed when using azide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-N-3). Subsequent addition of benzylazide consumes all remaining alkyne groups. All chemical modifications are easily monitored at each stage using hr-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The alkyne functionality and the resulting triazole ring provide well resolved H-1 resonances to monitor and quantify the progress of such 'click' reactions in general.