Catalyses by polymer complexes. VI. Catalysis of proton abstraction from α-ketols by hydroxamate ions bound to polymer micelles

Hydroxamate anions bound to partially laurylated poly(2-ethyl-1-vinylimidazole) were found to serve as excellent catalysis for proton abstraction from α-ketols. Proton removal from benzoin by N-methylmyristohydroxamate anion in the presence of the polymer (lauryl group content, 29 mol%) was 2.1×10⁴ times faster than the corresponding reaction in the absence of the polymer, and 330 times faster than that by hydroxide ion. The maximum catalytic efficiency existed at ca. 30-mol% lauryl group content. Addition of KCl and ethanol significantly suppressed the reaction. Thus, hydroxamate—polymer complexes would act generally as excellent base catalysts for proton abstraction to form the carbanion intermediates.