Synthesis of Selenium-Containing Polystyrene Microspheres and Using as Catalyst for Oxidation of Acrolein

Selenium-containing polystyrene (DSe-PS) microspheres were synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization using 1,2-bis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-vinylphenyl)diselane (FVPDSe) and divinylbenzene (DVB) as crosslinking agents. The particle size of the obtained DSe-PS was characterized by a scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering. The results showed that the diameter of the obtained DSe-PS microspheres could be adjusted by changing the ratio of the monomer and crosslinker/water. The diselenide moiety in the obtained DSe-PS microspheres could be oxidized to seleninic acid by H2O2 which can catalyze the oxidation of acrolein. The oxidized DSe-PS microspheres exhibited higher catalytic activity and selectivity to methyl acrylate in a model oxidation of acrolein.