Polymer-supported oxobis(pentane-2,4-dionato)vanadium(IV) catalyst for reactions involving t-butyl hydroperoxide

The polymer-supported title compound catalyses the homolytic decomposition of ButO2H and its reactions with Me2SO, Bun2S, and cyclohexene to give Me2SO2, Bun2SO, and cyclohexene oxide respectively. Polymer-chain participation in the radical reactions seems to give additional catalytic pathways for the decomposition of ButO2H. Recycling of the polymer-supported complex in the conversion of Me2SO into Me2SO2 results in lower product yields due to the loss of metal ions. Comparative studies between the polymer-supported and the homogeneous systems suggest extra stability for the polymer-anchored, catalytically active species. The diffusion barrier between the reactants in solution and the polymer influences the rates and may be responsible for this extra stability