Functionalization of crosslinked polystyrene resins: 2. Preparation of nucleophilic resins containing hydroxyl or thiol functionalities

Crosslinked polystyrene resins containing thiol or hydroxyl functionalities on a fraction of their aromatic rings were prepared by reaction of crosslinked polystyryllithium with elemental sulphur or oxygen followed by reduction of the resulting polymer. Similarly, resins containing hydroxymethyl or thiomethyl functional groups were prepared from chloromethylated polystyrene by displacement of chloride in procedures involving three phase systems and the use of a phase transfer catalyst. The degree of functionalization could be controlled easily and the sulphur containing polymers were free of disulphide bonds.