Polymer supported alkoxides: synthesis and reactivity

Abstract

The preparation of a new type of ionomer, polymeric alkoxides, is described. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is the most convenient solvent for a study of their reactivity. Comparison of these polymeric bases with low molecular weight alkoxides was achieved by a study of the regio- and the stereo-selectivity of 2-bromo-octane elimination, and of the E₂/S_N2 competition from 2-p-methoxyphenyl-1-tosyloxypropane. The results show that the polymeric backbone does not induce any steric hindrance and that the basicity of the alkoxides is lowered by fixation on a polymer support.