Chiral BINAP-based hierarchical porous polymers as platforms for efficient heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis

Abstract Two vinyl-functionalized chiral 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAP) ligands, ( S )-4,4′-divinyl-BINAP and ( S )-5,5′-divinyl-BINAP, were successfully synthesized. Chiral BINAP-based porous organic polymers (POPs), denoted as 4-BINAP@POPs and 5-BINAP@POPs, were efficiently prepared via the copolymerization of vinyl-functionalized BINAP with divinyl benzene under solvothermal conditions. Thorough characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, we confirmed that chiral BINAP groups were successfully incorporated into the structure of the materials considered to contain hierarchical pores. Ru was introduced as a catalytic species into the POPs using different synthetic routes. Systematic investigation of the resultant chiral Ru/POP catalysts for heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation of β-keto esters revealed their excellent chiral inducibility as well as high activity and stability. Our work thereby paves a path towards the use of advanced hierarchical porous polymers as solid chiral platforms for heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis.