Self‐Assembled Quaternary Ammonium‐Containing Comb‐Like Polyelectrolytes for the Hydrolysis of Organophosphorous Esters: Effect of Head Groups and Counter‐Ions

The aim of this work was to increase the efficiency of catalytic systems for the hydrolytic cleavage of 4‐nitrophenyl esters of phosphonic acids. Quaternary ammonium‐containing comb‐like polyelectrolytes («polymerized micelles») with ester cleavable fragments and a low aggregation threshold were used as catalysts. The synthesis of poly(11‐acryloyloxyundecylammonium) surfactants with different counterions (Br−, NO3−, CH3C6H4SO3−) and head groups was realized by micellar free‐radical polymerization. Molecular weight, critical association concentration, particle sizes and solubilization properties toward Orange OT were determined. Self‐assemblies organized by poly(11‐acryloyloxyundecyltrimethyl ammonium) bromide successfully catalyze the hydrolysis of 4‐nitrophenyl butylchloromethylphosphonate up to two orders of magnitude compared to aqueous alkaline hydrolysis. The development of these catalysts is promising for industrial applications and organophosphorus compound detoxification. Like a comb: Self‐assemblies of cationic comb‐like polyelectrolytes with a low association threshold were used as catalysts for alkali hydrolysis of phosphorous acid esters (OP). The catalytic effect is up to two orders of magnitude compared to aqueous alkaline hydrolysis. The polyelectrolytes can be recommended as high potential catalysts for degradation of OPs under mild conditions.