Ambient Temperature Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Mediated by Ate Complexes. Issue 5 (18th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fouilloux, Hugo; Thomas, Christophe M.
• Is Part Of: ChemCatChem. Volume 14:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-18
• Subjects: ate complexes -- (co)polymerization -- green chemistry -- cooperative catalysis -- poly(methyl methacrylate); Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.39505
• DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202101673
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1867-3880

Abstract

Abstract: Finding catalysts that are both robust and highly active at room temperature can often be considered as a daunting challenge. Yet, these features are desirable for polymer synthesis as they allow to produce materials of interest easily and sustainably. Herein, commercial reagents are used to form in situ "ate" complexes which were found to be highly active in the room temperature anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Also of particular interest is their ability to polymerize rac ‐lactide, and even form block copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(lactic acid). Abstract : Polymerization catalysts : A simple and efficient methodology has been developed for the polymerization of MMA. Metalate complexes were synthesized in situ, taking advantage of their stability at room temperature. These complexes revealed an excellent catalytic activity under mild conditions, allowing access to PMMA homopolymers but also a rare example of PMMA and PLA block copolymers.