Oxygen-permeation in silicone-bound cobaltporphyrin membrane

We have reported facilitated transport of oxygen in a polymer membrane containing a cobaltporphyrin complex as a fixed carrier which interacts specifically and reversibly with oxygen molecule. High oxygen permselectivity may be possible by introducing a large amount of the complex into the membrane. On the other hand, silicone membrane is utilized as an oxygen-separating membrane for its high permeability. Silicone polymer having a large free volume could contain a large amount of the complex maintaining its high permeability. In this note, the silicone having an imidazolyl group on the side chain was synthesized and complexed with the cobaltporphyrin derivative to give a silicone-bound cobaltporphyrin membrane. Oxygen transport behavior in this silicone-bound cobaltporphyrin membrane was discussed.