Application of β-cyclodextrin-polyurethane as a stationary microvessel and solid–liquid phase-transfer catalyst: Preparation of benzyl cyanides and azides in water

Application of water tolerant heterogeneous catalyst, β-cyclodextrin-polyurethane (β-CDPU) polymer, as an efficient microvessel and polymeric host system for nucleophilic substitution reaction of benzyl halides with cyanide and azide anions in water has been described. The reactions gave only pure products, which did not require any further purification. The most important features of this method are high yields, clean reactions and that the catalyst can be recovered and recycled.

► β-Cyclodextrin-polyurethane as an efficient microvessel and polymeric host system. ► Hetrogenous catalyst in nucleophilic substitution of benzyl halides. ► Efficient conversion of benzyl halides to cyanide and azide in water. ► This method is safe, cost effective and easy to operate.