Catalytic Activity of Copper(II) Enzyme-like Catalysts, Prepared by Molecular Imprinting Technique in Oxidation of Phenols

Molecularly imprinted polymer copper(II) catalysts were prepared by suspension polymerization of 4‐vinylpyridine, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (series A) and additional monomer – acrylonitrile (series B) in the presence of Cu(II) ions and template: 4‐metoxybenzyl alcohol; two samples were also prepared by surface molecular imprinting technique utilizing W/O emulsion. The catalytic activity was tested in model oxidation reactions of hydroquinone and 2,5‐di‐tert‐butylhydroquinone using hydrogen peroxide. The imprinted catalysts were more effective in both reactions than non‐imprinted but their activity strongly depended on Cu(II) loading. Surface imprinted samples showed the highest activity (LH up to 100%).