Amphiphilic polymer based tablet catalyst systems: The preparation of new generation nano-reactor systems bearing Gold-NHC complexes through π-π stacking

The hydrophobic nature of organometallic catalysts used in organic reactions in aqueous environment limits their use, while the complexes used in the reactions are sensitive to moisture and water, making reactions difficult. This problem is solved by attaching ionic or nonionic hydrophobic groups to the catalyst structures. However, this solution method is very difficult and not economically viable. While reactions using hydrophilic substrates are successfully carried out by adding groups to the catalyst structure, these catalysts do not show high catalytic activity for reactions using hydrophobic substrates. Studies have shown that systems obtained by π-π stacking interaction between molecules can be successful. In this thesis, amphiphilic polymers containing pyrene group and forming micelles in water were synthesized by ATRP method, which is one of the controlled polymerization methods. Afterwards, Au(I)-NHC complexes containing pyrene group were obtained and it was observed that this complex could be stable in the hydrophobic center of the amphiphilic polymer. Tablet catalyst forming 40-50 nm micellar structures in water was obtained with Au(I)-NHC complex and amphiphilic polymer. The obtained tablet catalysts were tested in alkyne hydration reactions and gave successful results. In addition, it has been determined that the catalyst can be reused up to six cycles with high catalytic activity and maintains its activity for up to six months when stored in both nitrogen and air.