Synthesis of amine-phenol ligands in water – a simple demonstration of a hydrophobic effect

Abstract

The synthesis in water of a series of tetradentate amine-phenol ligands derived from formaldehyde, 2,4-disubstituted phenols and amines is presented. These molecules, which are used in catalyst development, include 4,6-di-alkyl-2-bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminomethylphenols and 4,6-di-tert-amyl-2-bis(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)aminomethylphenols. Yields were generally greater than reactions performed in methanol and near quantitative for hydrophobic phenols.