The catalytic activities of basic and thermoresponsive microgel particles for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction in water at ambient temperature were evaluated. The catalytic activity of the basic gel particles depended on their base strength. The tertiary-aminated microgel particles had the higher activity than tertiary-aminated silica gel, bulk gel and trimethylamine. Because the base strength of the tertiary amines in the microgel particles decreased with increasing temperature, the catalysts and residual substrates were separated by dialysis with heating. The recovered microgel particle catalysts were recyclable for an additional Knoevenagel condensation.
- Hirokazu Seto
- Kenta Imai
- Yoshiko Miura
