The first chapter of the book deals with enzyme-like catalysis by synthetic polymers - catalysis by polymeric acids and bases, amphoteric polyelectrolytes and nonionic polymers. Because coordination compounds of metal ions with macromolecular ligands are interesting with regard to bioinorganic chemistry, this book elucidates some problems involving the catalysis by water-soluble polymer-metal complexes. Ester hydrolysis, hydrogen peroxide decomposition, oxidation of disubstituted phenols, hydroquinones, mercaptoalcohols and other types of reaction are chosen as model processes. A section devoted to interfacial catalysis is also included.
The second chapter handles various problems regarding catalysis by ion-exchange resins. Mechanisms of reactions involving acidic and basic resins are discussed. In respect of the wide use of anion-exchange resins as interfacial transfer catalysts, attention is paid to the specific nature of this reaction. Similarities and differences in the catalysis of non-ionic resins and linear polyelectrolytes are shown.
The third chapter presents different methods of production of heterogenized homogeneous catalysts from complexes of transition metals and polymer matrices. Different ways of fixing a homogeneous metal complex on a polymeric support (encapsulation, covalent bond, coordination bond, ion exchange and gel immobilization) were investigated. The catalytic activity of Group VIII metals fixed on different polymeric supports as well as the problems of their control are elaborated. In some cases the working mechanisms of heterogenized catalytic systems are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the effect of matrix isolation of catalytically active centers on the reactivity of heterogenized metal-complex catalysts, longevity and leaching problems as well as to methods of reducing leaching.