Nhc polymeric particles obtained by self-assembly and click approach of calix[4]arene amphiphiles as support for catalytically active pd nanoclusters

Abstract

A new polymeric NHC carrier was synthesized by sequential supramolecular self-assembly and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) of amphiphilic imidazolium calix[4]arenes with octyl lipophilic fragments. Obtained polytriazole-imidazolium particles were found as monodis-perse submicron particles, with the average diameter of 236 ± 34 nm and average molecular weight of 1380 ± 96 kDa. Successful CuAAC polymerization has been proved using IR spectroscopy and high-resolution ESI mass spectrometry. Polymeric particles, as well as aggregates made from pre-cursor macrocycles, were decorated by Pd clusters (2 nm) for further catalytic investigations. Pd nanoclusters, supported on the polymeric surface, were found highly catalytically active in the model reduction of p-nitrophenol, giving reaction rates an order of magnitude higher compared to literature examples. The reaction was recycled using the same catalyst five times without any loss of activity.