Poly(N-vinylimidazole): A biocompatible and biodegradable functional polymer, metal-free, and highly recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the mechanochemical synthesis of oximes

The catalytic activity of poly(N-vinylimidazole), a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic functional polymer, was investigated for the synthesis of oximes as an efficient, halogen-free, and reusable heterogeneous catalyst. The corresponding oximes were afforded in high to excellent yields at room temperature and in short times using the planetary ball mill technique. Some merits, such as the short reaction times and good yields for poorly active carbonyl compounds, and avoiding toxic, expensive, metal-containing catalysts, and hazardous and flammable solvents, can be mentioned for the current catalytic synthesis of the oximes. Furthermore, the heterogeneous organocatalyst could be easily separated after the reaction, and the regenerated catalyst was reused several times with no significant loss of its catalytic activity.