Synthesis of a ruthenium complex bound to a polyimide matrix: Investigating the catalytic properties in a hydrosilylation reaction

3,6-Bis(dimethylamino) acridine(hexamethylbenzene) dichlororuthenium(II) was used as a tricyclic heteroatomic monomer to prepare polyimides from the corresponding dianhyrides by solution condensation. The ruthenium complex monomer was synthesized starting from [RuCl2(HMB)](2) and 3-6-bis(dimethylamino)acridine. The polymers had inherent viscosities of 1.77 to 2.11 and were soluble in most polar solvents. The glass transition temperatures were in the range of 204 to 298 degrees C and the 10% weight loss in the range of 506-626 degrees C, depending upon the structure of the dianhyride monomer. The catalytic activity of the polyimides tested in a hydrosilylation reaction of acetophenone was up to 90%. Leaching of ruthenium into the reaction mixture, found to be in the range of 60-75 ppm, was an indication of reduced catalyst; bleeding.