Dual catalysis for the copolymerisation of epoxides and lactones. Issue 48 (29th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clayman, Naomi E.; Morris, Lilliana S.; LaPointe, Anne M.; Keresztes, Ivan; Waymouth, Robert M.; Coates, Geoffrey W.
• Is Part Of: Chemical communications. Volume 55:Issue 48(2019)
• Page Start: 6914
• Page End: 6917
• Publication Date: 2019-05-29
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/c9cc00493a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-7345

Abstract

Abstract : Using a dual catalysis approach, epoxide/lactone copolymers were synthesized with control over tacticity, molecular weight, crystallinity, and comonomer content. Abstract : A dual catalysis system was developed to synthesize hydrolyzable polyether–polyester copolymers from propylene oxide and cyclic esters such as γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, and ε-caprolactone. A bimetallic chromium catalyst active for the enantioselective polymerisation of propylene oxide and an organocatalyst active for the ring-opening polymerisation of lactones were used in conjunction with an alcohol chain shuttling agent to create new copolymers. The monomer and alcohol ratios were varied to yield a wide range of copolymers with varying monomer ratios, molecular weights, and crystallinities.