1,3-butadiene telomerization with methanol catalyzed by heterogenized palladium complexes

The heterogenization of palladium complexes on silica as well as on functionalized styrene/divinylbenzene crosslinked resins and linear poly(styrene) is described. In particular, palladium (0) and palladium (II) derivatives were anchored to the above polymeric systems through their functionalization with bidentate ligands such as acetylacetonate and 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane moieties. The resulting heterogenized complexes were checked in the catalytic telomerization of 1,3-butadiene with methanol. Their performances were studied in terms of activity and selectivity to telomers. Whereas the heterogenization of palladium complexes either on silica or on polymer resins via the acetylacetonate ligand resulted labile during the catalytic cycle, the polymer-bound palladium complexes via the diphosphine ligand, when activated by an alkoxide, displayed activity and selectivity comparable with those of the corresponding homogeneous counterparts, without appreciable metal leaching in solution. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.