The objective of this proposal is to prepare synthetic polymeric materials that are capable of functioning as enzymes and biological receptors. A template synthesis method is used to construct selectively functionilized sites on or near the surface of highly crosslinked network polymers. The functionilized sites provide a binding cavity for the template molecule. The research will concentrate on the following topics: the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts for olefin cyclization, Diels-Alder reactions, and phosphate diester hydrolysis. An attempt will be made to develop solid polymers that bind metal ions. These materials have potential use in water purification. Fluorescence diagnostics will also be developed for evaluating the solvation and penetrability of crosslinked network polymers.
