Introduction of PEGs on pore-wall of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous cross-linked polystyrene for catalyzation of α-butylation of phenylacetonitrile

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous cross-linked polystyrenes (3DOM CLPS) attached polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with different molecular weights were prepared for use as a novel tri-phase transfer catalyst. The 3DOM catalysts were characterized by FTIR and SEM. The catalytic activity of functionalized 3DOM CLPS was evaluated using alpha-butylation reaction of phenylacetonitrile in organic phase and potassium hydroxide aqueous solution in water phase as a model system. The effects of various factors on the phase transfer catalysis reaction of liquid-solid-liquid were investigated. Reusing performance of the catalyst was also examined. The results show that the 3DOM CLPS attached PEG400 is an effective and stable tri-phase catalyst for alpha-butylation reaction. The reaction yield increases with the increasing of temperature and extension of time. After reusing for eight times, the PEG chains did not run off and the ordered structure was well preserved, and the yield of alpha-butyl phenylacetonitrile was still above 90%.