Imprinted polymers: Versatile new tools in synthesis

Abstract

The use of molecularly imprinted polymers in synthetic organic chemistry is reviewed. These materials are prepared in the presence of a template for which they carry a functional and stereochemical 'memory' and can be likened to artificial antibodies or enzymes. Their unique properties have been exploited by the use of imprinted polymers as stereo- and regio-selective solid supports in condensation reactions and hydride reduction, as protecting groups in the acylation of polyols and as catalysts to enhance the rates of reactions as diverse a Diels-Alder reaction, an Aldol condensation, β- elimination, the benzisoxazole isomerization, transesterification and ester hydrolyses.