Ionic liquid-based polymeric microreactors and their applicability

This work examines the applicability of encapsulated 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate within a polyurea shell (BMIm[PF₆]@polyurea) to act as microreactors by dissolving platinum acetylacetonate or cinchonine in the ionic liquid phase pre-emulsification. Their applicability was tested in hydrosilylation and Michael addition reactions, respectively. The capsules crack within the first catalytic cycle indicating a fragile shell is formed. In addition, the development of particulated BMIm[PF₆] within polyurethane is described. These BMIm[PF₆]@polyurethane capsules were characterized and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR, infrared and thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, their ability to act as microreactors in the Michael addition reaction was tested. The capsules morphology does not undergo any changes after the reaction.