Conversions of Carbonyl Compounds via Their Polymeric Sulfonylhydrazones into Alkenes, Alkanes, and Nitriles

Reins consisting of cross-linked poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) matrices functionalized with hydrazinosulfonyl groups react with aldehydes and ketones to form the sulfonylhydrazone derivatives. The extent of the reaction is sensitive to the type of resin and the bulk of the carbonyl compound. When heated strongly under alkaline conditions, the sulfonylhydrazones release the corresponding alkenes; upon the NaBH4 or LiAlH4 treatment, they also release the corresponding alkanes; and, upon refluxing in methanol with potassium cyanide, they release nitriles containing one additional carbon atom.