Catalytic MTO-based C-H insertion reactions of hydrogen peroxide: an investigation on the polymeric support role in heterogeneous conditions

Polymer-supported methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) compounds are shown to act as efficient and selective catalysts for the oxy-functionalization of C-H bonds in representative hydrocarbon derivatives (leading to the corresponding alcohols or ketones), using H2O2 as oxidant. The different supports used for the heterogenation of MTO, such as poly(4-vinylpyridine), poly(4-vinylpyridine)-N-oxide and polystyrene resins, all showed different catalytic behaviour in terms of substrate conversion and product yield, depending on the experimental conditions used. It is noteworthy that the novel heterogeneous catalysts were found to be stable, it being possible to effect their recover and recycle at least five times without appreciable loss of activity.