Modifying the product distribution of a reaction within the controlled microenvironment of a colloidosome

A water-soluble colloidosome composed of PGMA–PS latex was used as a microcapsule to host a catalyzed oxidation reaction within its dodecane core. When compared to a control reaction a significant colloidosome effect was observed. Specifically, a 233% increase in the relative yield of all products was observed for the colloidosome reaction. Furthermore, when the product distributions were calculated it was evident that a switch in selectivity had taken place. These studies showed there is a significant reduction in the relative yield of the epoxide product compared to the remaining oxidation products. Additional control experiments confirmed that rate enhancements were not simply a result of concentration and that reactions were not occurring in the outer latex phase. As a consequence of these control experiments, we suggest that the colloidosome enhancement and shift in product distribution, comes about from differences in electronic environment at or close to the interface between the internal oil phase and the outer colloidal particles. This environment is able to stabilize any specific intermediates and or transition states leading to enhanced reactions for these products and higher relative yields.