Polymer-supported Bis(oxazoline)-copper complexes as catalysts in cyclopropanation reactions

Bis(oxazolines) are easily immobilized by functionalization of the central methylene bridge with polymerizable groups and subsequent polymerization. Polymers are transformed into copper catalysts active in the cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate. The results are similar or even better than those obtained with the similar homogeneous systems, and the catalysts can be easily recovered and reused. The substitution in the methylene bridge leads to a slight reduction in the enantioselectivity and an unexpected cis-preference.