Formation of ionic polymers by the alkylation of polyethyleneimine with tetra-chloromethyl and mono-bromopropyl substituted calix[4]arenes

An insoluble cross-linked polymer has been obtained by functionalization of polyethyleneimine. The functionalization reaction has been carried out by treating a 50% aqueous solution of polyethyleimine with 5,11,17,23-tetrachloromethyl-25,26,27, 28-tetrahydroxycalix-[4]arene. The cross-linking takes place by alkylation of the amine nitrogens of different polymer chains by the chloromethyl groups on the upper rim of the calixarene. A soluble functionalized polymer with a single chemical link between each calix[4]arene and the polymer has been prepared by treating polyethyleneimine with 5-(3-bromopropyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene. The reaction involves alkylation of the polyethyleneimine nitrogen of the polymer by the bromopropyl group on the upper rim of the calix[4]arene.