An expanded range of catalysts for synthesising biodegradable polyphosphonates. Issue 2 (25th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macdonald, Emily K.; Shaver, Michael P.
• Is Part Of: Green materials. Volume 4:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2016-07-25
• Subjects: biodegradable polymers -- catalysis -- polymerisation; Biodegradable plastics -- Periodicals; Building materials -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 620.192
• DOI: 10.1680/jgrma.16.00007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-1220

Abstract

Abstract : In this paper we expand the scope of catalysts able to mediate the ring opening polymerisation of the phosphonate monomer 2-methyl-1, 3, 2-dioxaphosphalone-2-oxide. A range of nitrogen bases efficiently catalyse the reaction, each with p K a s of 19 or above; lower p K a bases do not ring open the monomer. Aluminium based catalysts supported by salen and salan ligand frameworks also afford exceptional control, with conversions in excess of 99% and dispersities under 1.1. Together, these studies significantly expand the scope of catalysts to prepare this biodegradable, non-toxic, water soluble polymer. Additionally, we report efforts to expand the monomer scope for these catalysts, showing that altering ring structure and substitution can strongly inhibit productive ring opening.