Polymer supports were synthesized by aqueous suspension copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene in the presence of diluent mixtures formed by toluene (good solvent) and heptane (bad solvent) in different compositions. Two relative concentrations of DVB (60 and 80%) and two dilution degrees relative to the monomers volume (100 and 200%) were used in the copolymerizations. The supports were characterized in dry and swollen states and their properties were related to the synthesis parameters. In the dry state, the bulk density, surface area, pore volume and morphology of the copolymers were determined. In the swollen state, a study was made of the copolymers behavior in toluene and heptane respectively. In this work the advantages of using polymer supports in the preparation of sulfonic catalysts were discussed including a comparison between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts often used in organic synthesis.
Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers; polymer supports; morphology; characterization; polymer immobilized sulfonic catalysts
