Polyacrylamide Supported Reagents and Catalysts in Various Organic Reactions

Functional polymers as solid-supported reagents and catalysts for organic synthesis were conventionally based on cross-linked polystyrene (PS). Polyacrylamide (PAM), modified PAM and their copolymers as hydrophilic support, alternatively can be used as heterogeneous systems in several areas of chemistry and industry. After Regen’s report in 1979 that applied cross-linked PAM as a solid phase cosolvent, PAM-supported reagents and catalysts manifest an excessively important function in various organic reactions. This review summarizes the entire features of PAM and its modified forms and focuses on their most recent and relevant applications in organic transformations. Oxidation–reduction reactions, C–C cross-coupling reactions, and Michael addition reactions are among the most important transformation in which PAM and its derivatives have been widely used. Other reactions like substitution reactions, H₂O₂ decomposition, 1,3-thiazoles synthesis, oxidative esterification, dichlorocyclopropanation, protection of carbonyl compounds, ring opening of epoxides, and dye decolorization have also been investigated. Furthermore, the efficiency, reusability, and limitations associated with these supported systems are discussed.

Graphical Abstract

Herein, applications of functional polymers based on polyacrylamide, modified PAM and their copolymers for the production of polymer supported reagents and catalysts are reviewed. This review summarizes the entire features of PAM and its modified forms and focuses on their most recent and relevant applications in organic transformations such as oxidation–reduction reactions, C–C cross-coupling reactions, Michael addition reactions etc. Furthermore, the efficiency, reusability, and limitations associated with these supported systems are discussed.