Imprinted Polymers: Versatile New Tools in Synthesis

The use of molecularly imprinted polymers in synthetic organic chemistry is reviewed. These materials are prepared in the presence of a template for which they carry a functional and stereochemical “memory” and can be likened to artificial antibodies or enzymes. Their unique properties have been exploited by the use of imprinted polymers as stereoand regio-selective solid supports in condensation reactions and hydride reduction, as protecting groups in the acylation of polyols and as catalysts to enhance the rates of reactions as diverse a Diels-Alder reaction, an Aldol condensation, β-elimination, the benzisoxazole isomerization, transesterification and ester hydrolyses.