A hierarchical porous ionic organic polymer as a new platform for heterogeneous phase transfer catalysis

Abstract

In this work we demonstrate for the first time the construction of a hierarchical porous ionic organic polymer via the polymerization of the vinyl-functionalized quaternary phosphonium salt monomer under solvothermal conditions. The resultant polymerized quaternary phosphonium (PQP) salt features a hierarchical porous structure and excellent amphiphilicity. After anion-exchange with peroxotungstate, the afforded W₂O₁₁/PQP demonstrates excellent performances as a heterogeneous phase-transfer catalyst in the context of epoxidation of olefin and oxidation of dibenzothiophene when using the environmentally benign H₂O₂ as the oxidant, superior to the homogeneous counterparts and other types of phase-transfer catalysts. Our work thereby paves a way to advance hierarchical porous ionic organic polymers as a new type of platform for heterogeneous phase transfer catalysis.