Optically active dendronized polymers as a new type of macromolecular chiral catalysts for asymmetric catalysis

Optically active ephedrine-bearing dendronized polymers were synthesized by using the Suzuki coupling polymerization. These novel polymers are soluble in common organic solvents such as THF, toluene and chloroform. Their application as a new type of macromolecular chiral catalysts for asymmetric catalysis was studied. The combination features of more catalytic sites, higher solubility and nanoscopic dimensions of optically active dendronized polymers make them more efficient than the corresponding linear polymeric and dendritic chiral catalysts. This study provides a new direction for the design and synthesis of macromolecular chiral catalysts.