Silica-supported quinine-CuBr catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate

9-Amino epi-quinine was used as a ligand in the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the first time, and high monomer conversion as well as small polydispersity could be obtained. The 9-amino epi-quinine-containing organosilane was synthesized and immobilized onto three different silica supports, i.e., fumed SiO2, SBA-15, and MCM-48, followed by complexing with CuBr. With the MCM-48 supported catalyst, polymerization of methyl methacrylate achieved high monomer conversion, small polydispersity, and low residual copper content in the product. This heterogeneous catalyst could also be recycled effectively.

To form heterogeneous catalysts, a new ligand was immobilized on three different silica supports to complex with CuBr. And these heterogeneous catalysts could catalyze the reaction effectively.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► 9-amino epi-quinine was used as the ligand in the ATRP.
► A 3D mesoporous material, MCM-48, was used as the support and got good results.
► Only 2 equivalent support could complex with almost all the Cu(I) species.
► The catalyst supported by MCM-48 was still effective after the regeneration.