Optimization of reaction conditions for REM resin-bound quaternization reactions

A study into the effect of reaction variables on the quaternization of REM resin-bound tertiary amines was undertaken. The influence of resin matrix, solvent, reaction time, temperature. and amount of quaternization agent on the outcome of reaction was evaluated by reaction monitoring using F-19 NMR. The hi-hest yields of tertiary amine products were seen when DMSO was used as reaction solvent in conjunction with a reaction time of 18 h at room temperature. The use of heating for extended reaction times tended to depress yields, indicating product cleavage during quaternization. Quaternization on PS-DVB resin was found to be more robust than reaction on PS-PEG matrices where yields were generally considerably lower than the observed conversions. DMSO was the most efficient reaction solvent for both resins despite poor swelling of the quaternization starting material.