Catalytic Y-tailed amphiphilic homopolymers - aqueous nanoreactors for high activity, low loading SCS pincer catalysts

A new amphiphilic homopolymer bearing an SCS pincer palladium complex has been synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The amphiphile has been shown to form spherical and worm-like micelles in water by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small angle neutron scattering. Segregation of reactive components within the palladium containing core results in increased catalytic activity of the pincer compound compared to small molecule analogues. This allows carbon–carbon bond forming reactions to be performed in water with reduced catalyst loadings and enhanced activity.