A TEMPO‐Functionalized Ordered Mesoporous Polymer as a Highly Active and Reusable Organocatalyst

Abstract

The properties of high stability, periodic porosity, and tunable nature of ordered mesoporous polymers make these materials ideal catalytic nanoreactors. However, the application of them in organocatalysis have been rarely explored. We report herein for the first time the incorporation of a versatile organocatalyst, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO), into the pores of an FDU-type mesoporous polymer via pore surface engineering strategy. The resulting FDU-15-TEMPO possesses high ordered mesoporous organic framework and enhanced stability, and shows excellent catalytic activity in the selective oxidation of alcohols and aerobic oxidative synthesis of 2-substituted benzoxazoles, benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused for up to 7 consecutive cycles.