Catalytic esterolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters by optically active polymeric oximes

An optically active polymer contg. oxime groups was prepd. by partial quaternization of a copolymer of 4-vinylpyridine and (+)(S)-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, with BzCH2Br and subsequent reaction with NH2OH.HCl. This polymer was used as a catalyst for the esterolysis of esters of p-nitrophenol with aliph. and arom. carboxylic acids characterized by different steric and hydrophobic features. The detailed evaluation of kinetic parameters permitted identification of the main factors responsible for the catalytic behavior.