Macrocomplexes on the basis of functionalized polyethylene glycols and copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide: Synthesis and catalysis

Water soluble catalysts combining the properties of metal complexes and surfactants on the basis of terminally functionalized polyethylene glycols and block-copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with various combinations of ethylene and propylene oxide fragments were investigated. Polymers, functionalized by dipyridyl and acetylacetone were used as ligands for preparation of Fe(III) and Co(II) complexes, which showed a high activity and selectivity in oxidation of cyclohexane and ethylbenzene by both hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. An aqueous phase hydroformylation rhodium catalyst was prepared on the basis of polyethylene glycols functionalized by phosphine groups.