Synthesis, structure and heterogeneous catalytic activities of Cu-containing polymeric compounds: Anion effect and comparison of homogeneous vs. heterogeneous catalytic activity

The structures of new polymeric compounds containing Cu(II) ions and btp (2,6-bis(Ń,2,4-triazolyl)pyridine) ligands have been determined. The btp ligands bridge Cu(II) ions to form double zigzag chains, [Cu(ClO ₄)₂(btp)₂] 3 with perchlorate anions, and form single zigzag chains, [Cu(btp)(H₂O)₄](SO ₄)·2H₂O 4 with sulfate anions. The polymeric compound 3 was found to effectively catalyze the epoxide ring-opening reaction with methanol, while polymeric compound 4 was almost inactive with epoxides under the same conditions. The polymeric compound 3 showed an efficient catalytic activity and regioselective reactivity in the ring opening of epoxides and allowed reuse without a significant loss of activity through three runs with epoxides.