Polymers as Reagents in Organic Synthesis

Abstract

Polymeric reagents offer a range of unique advantages. Intramolecular reactions, such as the cyclization of peptides or Dieckmann cyclizations, can be brought about by attaching the reactive molecules at remote points along a polymer chain. In contrast, if the reactive molecules are anchored in close proximity on a polymeric support then intermolecular reactions occur, as demonstrated for a ketone synthesis. Apart from such proximity effects, cooperative effects can also be exploited, e.g. in the formation of a 2:1 complex of a crown ether and an alkali metal ion. The hydrolysis of an ester with polyvinylimidazole provides a detailed illustration of hydrophobic interactions. The simple separation of polymer-bound and low-molecular compounds by filtration is another significant advantage.