Block–Stereoblock Copolymers of Poly(ϵ‐Caprolactone) and Poly(Lactic Acid). Issue 24 (14th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosen, Tomer; Goldberg, Israel; Navarra, Wanda; Venditto, Vincenzo; Kol, Moshe
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 57:Issue 24(2018)
• Page Start: 7191
• Page End: 7195
• Publication Date: 2018-05-14
• Subjects: block copolymers -- living polymerization -- magnesium -- poly(lactic acid) -- poly(ϵ-caprolactone); Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201803063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: A magnesium complex of the type {ONNN}Mg‐HMDS wherein {ONNN} is a sequential tetradentate monoanionic ligand is introduced. In the presence of an alcohol initiator this complex catalyzes the living and immortal homopolymerization of the lactide enantiomers and ϵ‐caprolactone at room‐temperature with exceptionally high activities, as well as the precise block copolymerization of these monomers in a one‐pot synthesis by sequential monomer addition. Copolymers of unprecedented microstructures such as the PCL‐b‐PLLA‐b‐PDLA and PDLA‐b‐PLLA‐b‐PCL‐b‐PLLA‐b‐PDLA block–stereoblock microstructures that feature unique thermal properties are readily accessed. Abstract : The {ONNN}Mg‐HMDS complex reacts with an alcohol initiator giving a catalyst for the living and immortal homopolymerization of the lactide enantiomers and ϵ ‐caprolactone, featuring exceptionally high activities, and for their precise block copolymerization by sequential monomer addition. The unprecedented block–stereoblock copolymers such as the PCL‐ b ‐PLLA‐ b ‐PDLA and PDLA‐ b ‐PLLA‐ b ‐PCL‐ b ‐PLLA‐ b ‐PDLA are readily accessed.