Tightly convoluted polymeric phosphotungstate catalyst: an oxidative cyclization of alkenols and alkenoic acids.

[reaction: see text] A tightly convoluted polymeric phosphotungstate catalyst was prepared via ionic assembly of H3PW12O40 and poly(alkylpyridinium). An oxidative cyclization of various alkenols and alkenoic acids was efficiently promoted by the polymeric catalyst in aq H2O2 in the absence of organic solvents to afford the corresponding cyclic ethers and lactones in high yield. The catalyst was reused four times without loss of catalytic activity.