Synthesis of poly(itaconic acid) and its application for synthesis of pyrrolinones as a reusable homogeneous catalyst

In this context, poly(itaconic acid) (PIA) was synthesized through the polymerization of itaconic acid in the presence of K2S2O8 and NaH2PO4, achieving satisfactory yields of 80 % within 48 h at 55?C. The PIA served as a homogeneous catalyst in MeOH for the synthesis of pyrrolin-2-ones from aromatic aldehydes, anilines and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD). The reactions proceeded efficiently, yielding excellent results with conversion rates of 90?95 % within 8 h at room temperature. The synthesized products were characterized by combustion analysis (CHN), 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FT-IR spectra. This method is eco-friendly and aligns with the principles of green chemistry.