Synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding mediated selective synthesis of benzaldehyde in water

β-cyclodextrin-functionalized cellulose was prepared from cellulose and β-cyclodextrin crosslinked with epichlorohydrin. The supramolecular polymer has been used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of benzaldehyde under mild reaction conditions with high activity and yield. The catalyst was easily recovered and reused without significant activity loss. The β-cyclodextrin in the polymer formed host-guest complexes with cinnamaldehyde via noncovalent bonding. In addition, multiple interactions were observed between β-cyclodextrin and the substrate via intermolecular O–H…O hydrogen bonding. The significant promotion for the catalytic performance could be attributed to the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding.

Graphical AbstractEnhanced selectivity for the product is mainly attributed to the substrate specificity of β-cyclodextrin-functionalized cellulose based on the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide