Synthesis of peracid‐type resins and their characteristics as oxygen transfer agents

Synthesis of peracid‐type resins (PAR) by oxidation of carboxylic acid‐type ion exchangers with H 2 O 2 in sulfonic and sulfuric acid media has been studied. Influence of composition of the resins and acid concentration of the media on the conversion of carboxylic to percarboxylic acid groups in the resins is discussed. PAR can oxidize various organic compounds in good conversion. It is especially noteworthy that the increase in the polarity of the solvent increased the rate constants in the epoxidation of cyclohexene with PAR, in contrast with the low molecular weight peracids, and the epoxidation of 1‐olefins, geometric isomers of cyclododecene, and cholesterol with PAR took place selectively with regard to chain length or steric configuration. The results are discussed on the basis of distribution effect, protective effect with polymer, steric interactions between overall molecule of the substrates and polymer matrix, and other factors.