Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Properties of Diphenyl- and Dichlorobutyltin Functionalities Grafted to Insoluble Polystyrene Beads by a −(CH2) n − (n = 4, 6) Spacer

Insoluble diorganotin functionalized polymers of the type (P−H)1 - t (P−(CH2) n SnBuX2) t , with n = 4, 6, X = Ph, Cl, and t being the degree of functionalization, were synthesized from Amberlite XE-305, an insoluble polystyrene (P−H) cross-linked with divinylbenzene. The synthesis conditions used gave rise to functionalization degrees varying from 25% to 30%. The tin-functionalized polystyrenes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and Raman as well as solid-state 117Sn and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Methodological and chemical features related to the determination of the functionalization degree have been investigated in detail. The catalytic activity of the Amberlite-grafted tin functionalities in transesterification reactions was studied.