Effect of the configuration of the active center on comonomer reactivities: the case of epsilon-caprolactone/L,L-lactide copolymerization

Selective Transesterification to Control Copolymer Microstructure in the Ring-Opening Copolymerization of Lactide and ε-Caprolactone by Lanthanum Complexes

A series of novel lanthanum amido complexes, supported by ligands designed around the salan framework (salan = N,N'-bis(o-hydroxy, m-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-1,2-diaminoethane) were synthesized and fully characterized in the solid and solution states. The ligands incorporate benzyl or 2-pyridyl substituents at each tertiary amine center. The complexes were investigated as catalysts in the ring-opening homopolymerization of lactide (LA) and ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and copolymerization of equimolar amounts of LA and ε-CL at ambient temperature. Solvent (THF or toluene) and the number of 2-pyridyl groups in the complex were found to influence the reactivity of the catalysts in copolymerization reactions. In all cases, complete conversion of LA to PLA was observed. The use of THF, a coordinating solvent, suppressed ε-CL polymerization, while the presence of one or more 2-pyridyl groups promoted ε-CL polymerization. Each copolymer gave a monomodal trace in gel permeation chromatography-size-exclusion chromatography (GPC-SEC) experiments, indicative of copolymer formation over homopolymerization. Copolymer microstructure was found to be dependent on catalyst structure and reaction solvent, ranging from blocky to close to alternating. Experiments revealed rapid conversion of LA in the initial stages of the reaction, followed by incorporation of ε-CL into the copolymer by either transesterification or propagation reactions. Significantly, the mode of transesterification (TI or TII) that occurs is determined by the structure of the metal complex and the reaction solvent, leading to the possibility of controlling copolymer microstructure through catalyst design.

Iron(ii) carboxylates and simple carboxamides: an inexpensive and modular catalyst system for the synthesis of PLLA and PLLA-PCL block copolymers

The combination of inexpensive Fe(ii) acetate with low molecular weight aliphatic carboxamides in situ generates an effective catalyst system for the ring opening polymerisation of lactones. PLLAs were produced in melt conditions with molar masses of up to 15 kg mol-1, narrow dispersity (Đ = 1.03), and without racemisation. The catalytic system was investigated in detail with regard to Fe(ii) source, and steric and electronic effects of the amide's substituents. Furthermore, the synthesis of PLLA-PCL block copolymers of very low randomness was achieved. This commercially available, inexpensive, modular, and user-friendly catalyst mixture may be suitable for polymers with biomedical applications.

Catalysts as Key Enablers for the Synthesis of Bioplastics with Sophisticated Architectures

Bioplastics are one of the answers to environmental pollution and linear material flows. The most promising bioplastic polylactide (PLA) is already replacing conventional plastics in a number of applications. The properties of PLA, however, do not fit for all potential application areas, but they can be altered by the introduction of comonomers. The copolymerization of lactide (LA) with other lactones like ϵ-caprolactone (CL) has been established for several years. Nevertheless, controlling copolymerizations remains a challenge due to the high complexity of the system. Copolymerization of LA with other monomer classes is much less investigated, but has the chance to overcome the limitations in material properties that occur when only lactones are used. The crucial factor for all copolymerizations is the catalyst. It dominates the reaction kinetics and determines the resulting microstructure. In this review, copolymerization catalysts for LA are presented divided into catalysts for the synthesis of lactone block copolymers, lactone random copolymers, and multimechanistically synthesized copolymers. The selected catalysts are highlighted either owing to their industrially applicable polymerization conditions or their non-standard mechanism.

Investigating the Ring-Opening Polymerization Activity of Niobium and Tantalum Ethoxides Supported by Phenoxyimine Ligands

A variety of metal catalysts from around the periodic table have been studied for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters. Within this field, group V catalysts have been rarely explored. To better understand the effect the choice of metal and ligand has on ROP activity, a series of 10 niobium and tantalum alkoxide catalysts, supported by a range of phenoxyimine ligands, were synthesized. The electronics and steric bulk of the ligands were varied on the phenoxy group ( ^t Bu, Cl, and OMe) and the imine group (Ph; 2,6-diMePh; 2,6-di ⁱ PrPh; and 2,4,6-tri ^t BuPh) to probe their effect on the catalyst structure and activity. Catalysts were characterized with 1D, 2D, and variable-temperature NMR techniques to determine their structure in solution. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were conducted to establish their solid-state structure. The 10 catalysts are pseudo-octahedral, and each shows ligand coordination through phenoxy-oxygen and imine-nitrogen (O,N). In the case of the o-vanillin ligand set, however, evidence was found for O,O-coordination of the ligand when the steric encumbrance of the imine-nitrogen was increased. Each catalyst was active for the ring-opening polymerization of both rac-lactide (LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL) in the absence of solvent at 140 °C. In the case of CL, the catalysts supported by chloro-containing ligands showed the most polymerization control based on final polymer molecular weight and dispersity. Ligand trends were less clear for the polymerization of LA, though in all cases the catalysts were more controlled than the parent homoleptic alkoxide [M(OEt)₅; M = Nb or Ta]. The most promising catalyst in the family was tested for copolymerization activity of LA and CL in one pot. Copolymerization of the two monomers was successful and yielded random poly(caprolactone-co-lactide).

Synthesis of N-Methyl-o-phenylenediamine-Bridged Bis(phenolato) Lanthanide Alkoxides and Their Catalytic Performance for the (Co)Polymerization of rac-Butyrolactone and l-Lactide

A series of lanthanide alkoxo complexes supported by ONNO salalen ligands were synthesized and characterized. A one-pot reaction of LH₂ (L = (2-O-C₆H₂-^tBu₂-3,5)CH═N-C₆H₄-N(CH₃)CH₂(2-O-C₆H₂-^tBu₂-3,5)) with LnCp₃(THF) in a 1:1 molar ratio followed by the addition of 1 equiv of ROH (R = Bn, ⁱPr, and CF₃CH₂), afforded the dimeric lanthanide alkoxo complexes [LLn(μ-OCH₂Ph)]₂ [Ln = Lu (1), Yb (2), Sm (3), Nd (4)], [L²Yb(μ-OⁱPr)]₂ (5), and [L²Yb(μ-OCH₂CF₃)]₂ (6) in good isolated yields. All these lanthanide complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. In addition, complex 1 has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6 showed that these lanthanide alkoxo complexes are dimeric in the solid state. Complexes 1-6 showed good activity toward the homopolymerization of rac-butyrolactone (rac-BBL) to give atactic PHB, and ionic radii of central metals have profound influence on the polymerization. The polymerization behavior of l-lactide (l-LA) initiated by complex 2 was also explored. The kinetic study revealed that the polymerizations of rac-BBL and l-LA initiated by salalen lanthanide akoxide are first order for both the monomer and the initiator concentrations. Furthermore, it was found that complexes 1 and 2 showed good activity in the copolymerization of l-LA and rac-BBL, affording gradient copolymers.

Master of Chaos and Order: Opposite Microstructures of PCL‐ co ‐PGA‐ co ‐PLA Accessible by a Single Catalyst**

One catalyst, two reaction set‐ups, three monomers and unlimited macromolecular microstructural designs: The iron guanidine complex [FeCl₂(TMG5NMe₂asme)] (1) polymerizes lactide faster than the industrially used Sn(Oct)₂ and shows high activity towards glycolide and ϵ‐caprolactone. Its distinguished features enable the synthesis of both block and random‐like copolymers in the melt by a simple change of the polymerization set‐up. Sequential addition of monomers yields highly ordered block copolymers including the symmetrical PLA‐b‐PGA‐b‐PCL‐b‐PGA‐b‐PLA pentablock copolymers, while polymerizations of monomer mixtures feature enhanced transesterifications and pave the way to di‐ and terpolymers with highly dispersed repeating unit distributions. A robust catalyst active under industrially applicable conditions and producing copolymers with desired microstructures is a major step towards biocompatible polymers with tailor‐made properties as alternatives for traditional plastics on the way towards a sustainable, circular material flow.

Titanium complexes of pyrrolylaldiminate ligands and their exploitation for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters

A series of six-coordinate titanium complexes 1-6 supported by pyrrolylaldiminate ligands were prepared via the reaction of 2 equivalents of ligands and Ti(OⁱPr)₄ in toluene at 70 °C. The X-ray structure of 2 revealed that the two ligands were κ²-coordinated to the titanium center with the two pyrrole nitrogen atoms in trans positions and the two imine nitrogen atoms in cis positions. All complexes were active initiators for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide (rac-LA), ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), and three substituted ε-caprolactones (γ-methyl-ε-caprolactone (γMeCL), γ-ethyl-ε-caprolactone (γEtCL), and γ-phenyl-ε-caprolactone (γPhCL)). Polymerizations of all monomers were well controlled, affording predetermined molar masses and narrow dispersity values. Complex 5 exhibited the highest polymerization activities with rac-LA and ε-CL and its performance was comparable to other highly active six-coordinate titanium complexes reported thus far. Kinetic results revealed a first-order dependency on the monomer concentration, and the rate of polymerization was greatly influenced by the substituent on the imine nitrogen. End-group analysis of the isolated PLA and PCL suggested a coordination-insertion mechanism.

Copolymerization of L-Lactide and ε-Caprolactone promoted by zinc complexes with phosphorus based ligands

The zinc complexes 1 and 2 bearing chelating phosphorous based pincer ligands were found to catalyze the ring-opening copolymerization of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone in the melt at 110 °C to obtain a series of random copolymers in which the monomer distributions were coherent with the monomer ratio in the feed. All the obtained copolymers showed high molecular masses with monomodal and moderately narrow distributions. The thermal properties of the achieved copolymers (T_g, glass transition temperature, and T_m, melting temperature) were strongly dependent on their composition. A linear dependence of T_g with molar percentage of lactide in the copolymers was observed over a temperature range from -59 °C (pure polycaprolactone) to 55 °C (pure polylactide).

Synthesis of Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) Copolymer: Structure, Toughness, and Elasticity

Biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymers have drawn considerable attention because of their mechanical properties that mimic human soft tissue. Poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL), the copolymer of L-lactic (LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL), has been applied in many tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields. However, both the synthesis of PLCL and the structure-activity relationship of the copolymer need to be further investigated to allow tuning of different mechanical properties. The synthesis conditions of PLCL were optimized to increase the yield and improve the copolymer properties. The synthetic process was evaluated by while varying the molar ratio of the monomers and polymerization time. The mechanical properties of the copolymer were investigated from the macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Changes in the polymerization time and feed ratio resulted in the difference in the LA and CL content, which, in turn, caused the PLCL to exhibit different properties. The PLCL obtained with a feed ratio of 1:1 (LA:CL) and a polymerization time of 30 h has the best toughness and elasticity. The developed PLCL may have applications in dynamic mechanical environment, such as vascular tissue engineering.

Active Ga-catalysts for the ring opening homo- and copolymerization of cyclic esters, and copolymerization of epoxide and anhydrides

A series of gallium complexes L12Ga4Me8 (1), L22Ga4Me8 (2), and L32Ga4Me8 (3) was synthesized by reaction of GaMe3 with Schiff base ligands L1-3H2 (L1H2 = 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)imino]methyl}phenol; L2H2 = 2,4-dichloro-6-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)imino]methyl}phenol; L3H2 = 4-tert-butyl-2-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)imino]methyl}phenol) and characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray analysis (1, 2), proving their tetranuclear structure in the solid state. Complexes 1-3 showed good catalytic activity in the ring opening homopolymerization (ROP) and ring opening copolymerization (ROcoP) of lactide (LA) and ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) in the presence of benzyl alcohol (BnOH) in toluene at 100 °C, yielding polymers with the expected average molecular weights (Mn) and narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD), as well as a high isoselectivity for the ROP of rac-lactide (rac-LA), yielding isotactic-enriched PLAs with Pm values up to 0.78. Kinetic studies with complex 1 proved the first order dependence on monomer concentration, while mechanistic studies confirmed the coordination insertion mechanistic (CIM) pathway. Sequential addition of monomers gave well defined diblock copolymers of PCL-b-PLLA and PLLA-b-PCL, proving the living character of the polymerization reactions. The catalysts also showed perfect selectivity for the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) with both succinic anhydride (SA) and maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of BnOH and produced >99% alternating block copolymers.

Comparative Experimental and Theoretical Study of Mg, Al and Zn Aryloxy Complexes in Copolymerization of Cyclic Esters: The Role of the Metal Coordination in Formation of Random Copolymers

Homogeneity of copolymers is a general problem of catalytic coordination polymerization. In ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters, the rational design of the catalyst is generally applied to solve this problem by the equalization of the reactivities of comonomers-however, it often leads to a reduction of catalytic activity. In the present paper, we studied the catalytic behavior of BnOH-activated complexes (ВНТ)Mg(THF)2nBu (1), (ВНТ)2AlMe (2) and [(ВНТ)ZnEt]2 (3), based on 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT-H) in homo- and copolymerization of L-lactide (lLA) and ε-caprolactone (εCL). Even at 1:5 lLA/εCL ratio Mg complex 1 catalyzed homopolymerization of lLA without involving εCL to the formation of the polymer backbone. On the contrary, Zn complex 3 efficiently catalyzed random lLA/εCL copolymerization; the presence of mono-lactate subunits in the copolymer chain clearly pointed to the transesterification mechanism of copolymer formation. Both epimerization and transesterification side processes were analyzed using the density functional theory (DFT) modeling that confirmed the qualitative difference in catalytic behavior of 1 and 3: Mg and Zn complexes demonstrated different types of preferable coordination on the PLA chain (k2 and k3, respectively) with the result that complex 3 catalyzed controlled εCL ROP/PLA transesterification, providing the formation of lLA/εCL copolymers that contain mono-lactate fragments separated by short oligo(εCL) chains. The best results in the synthesis of random lLA/εCL copolymers were obtained during experiments on transesterification of commercially available PLLA, the applicability of 3/BnOH catalyst in the synthesis of random copolymers of εCL with methyl glycolide, ethyl ethylene phosphonate and ethyl ethylene phosphate was also demonstrated.

Lanthanum complexes stabilized by a pentadentate Schiff-base ligand: synthesis, characterization, and reactivity in statistical copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide

Developing catalysts that are capable of catalyzing the copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide to give random CL/LA copolymers is of great importance. One-pot reaction of La[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with 1 equiv. of LH₂ (LH₂ = NH(CH₂CH₂N[double bond, length as m-dash]CHC₆H₂-3,5-^tBu₂-2-OH)₂) in THF at room temperature, followed by protolysis with one equivalent amount of ROH (R = C₆H₂-2,6-^tBu₂-4-CH₃, ^tBu, ⁱPr, Bn, and Et) at 60 °C gave the mono-Schiff-base-ligated lanthanum aryloxide complex LLa(OC₆H₂-2,6-^tBu₂-4-CH₃)(THF) (1), and lanthanum alkyloxide complexes LLaO^tBu(THF) (2), [LLaOⁱPr]₂ (3), [LLaOBn]₂ (4), and [LLaOEt]₂ (5) in 59-69% isolated yields. These lanthanum complexes were capable of initiating the homopolymerization of l-lactide and rac-lactide with extremely high activity, and the copolymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and l-lactide (l-LA) to give statistical CL/LA copolymers via a transesterification reaction.

Use of Titanium Complexes Bearing Diphenolate or Calix[n]arene Ligands in α-Olefin Polymerization and the ROP of Cyclic Esters

In this review, we discuss the use of titanium complexes bearing either bridged diphenolate or calix[n]arene (n = 4, 6, 8) ligation, in the formation of plastics from α-olefins or via the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters. The syntheses, molecular structures and catalytic behaviour of these systems are discussed, as well as where possible, the properties of the resultant polymers.

Comment on “Synthesis of cyclic polymers and flaws of the Jacobson–Stockmayer theory” by H. R. Kricheldorf, et al., Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 2595

Ring-opening polymerization combined with simultaneous polycondensation (ROPPOC) does not contradict the Jacobson–Stockmayer cyclization theory.

DFT Visualization and Experimental Evidence of BHT-Mg-Catalyzed Copolymerization of Lactides, Lactones and Ethylene Phosphates

Catalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters (lactides, lactones) and cyclic ethylene phosphates is an effective way to process materials with regulated hydrophilicity and controlled biodegradability. Random copolymers of cyclic monomers of different chemical nature are highly attractive due to their high variability of characteristics. Aryloxy-alkoxy complexes of non-toxic metals such as derivatives of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxy magnesium (BHT-Mg) complexes are effective coordination catalysts for homopolymerization of all types of traditional ROP monomers. In the present paper, we report the results of density functional theory (DFT) modeling of BHT-Mg-catalyzed copolymerization for lactone/lactide, lactone/ethylene phosphate and lactide/ethylene phosphate mixtures. ε-Caprolactone (ε-CL), l-lactide (l-LA) and methyl ethylene phosphate (MeOEP) were used as examples of monomers in DFT simulations by the Gaussian-09 program package with the B3PW91/DGTZVP basis set. Both binuclear and mononuclear reaction mechanistic concepts have been applied for the calculations of the reaction profiles. The results of calculations predict the possibility of the formation of random copolymers based on l-LA/MeOEP, and substantial hindrance of copolymerization for ε-CL/l-LA and ε-CL/MeOEP pairs. From the mechanistic point of view, the formation of highly stable five-membered chelate by the products of l-LA ring-opening and high donor properties of phosphates are the key factors that rule the reactions. The results of DFT modeling have been confirmed by copolymerization experiments.

Bulk Organocatalytic Synthetic Access to Statistical Copolyesters from l-Lactide and ε-Caprolactone Using Benzoic Acid

The development of synthetic strategies to produce statistical copolymers based on l-lactide (l-LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL), denoted as P(LA- stat-CL), remains highly challenging in polymer chemistry. This is due to the differing reactivity of the two monomers during their ring-opening copolymerization (ROcP). Yet, P(LA- stat-CL) materials are highly sought after as they combine the properties of both polylactide (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). Here, benzoic acid (BA), a naturally occurring, cheap, readily recyclable, and thermally stable weak acid, is shown to trigger the organocatalyzed ring-opening copolymerization (OROcP) of l-LA and CL under solvent-free conditions at 155 °C, in presence of various alcohols as initiators, with good control over molar masses and dispersities (1.11 < Đ < 1.35) of the resulting copolyesters. Various compositions can be achieved, and the formation of statistical compounds is shown through characterization by ¹H, ¹³C, and diffusion ordered spectroscopy NMR spectroscopies and by differential scanning calorimetry, as well as through the determination of reactivity ratios ( r_LA = 0.86, r_CL = 0.86), using the visualization of the sum of squared residuals space method. Furthermore, this BA-OROcP process can be exploited to access metal-free PLA- b-P(LA- stat-CL)- b-PLA triblock copolymers, using a diol as an initiator. Finally, residual traces of BA remaining in P(LA- stat-CL) copolymers (<0.125 mol %) do not show any cytotoxicity toward hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells, demonstrating the safety of this organic catalyst.

Effect of the Configuration of a Bulky Aluminum Initiator on the Structure of Copolymers of l,l-Lactide with Symmetric Comonomer Trimethylene Carbonate

The effect of configuration of an asymmetric bulky initiator 2,2′-[1,1′-binaphtyl-2,2′-diyl- bis-(nitrylomethilidyne)]diphenoxy aluminum isopropoxide (Ini) on structure of copolymer of asymmetric monomer l,l-lactide (Lac) with symmetric comonomer trimethylene carbonate (Tmc) was studied using polarimetry, dilatometry, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), and Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹³C NMR). When the S-enantiomer of Ini was used the distribution in copolymer chains at the beginning of polymerization is statistical, with alternacy tendency, changing next through a gradient region to homoblocks of Tmc. However, when R-Ini was used, the product formed was a gradient oligoblock one, with Tmc blocks prevailing at the beginning, changing to Lac blocks dominating at the end part of chains. Initiation of copolymerization with the mixture of both initiator enantiomers (S:R = 6:94) gave a multiblock copolymer of similar features but shorter blocks. Analysis of copolymerization progress required complex analysis of dilatometric data, assuming different molar volume contraction coefficients for units located in different triads. Comonomer reactivity ratios of studied copolymerizations were determined.

Catalytic metal-based systems for controlled statistical copolymerisation of lactide with a lactone

A comprehensive survey of the recent developments of metal-based catalysts for the ROcoP of lactide with another lactone is presented.

Synthesis of Aluminum Complexes Bearing 8-Anilide-5,6,7-trihydroquinoline Ligands: Highly Active Catalyst Precursors for Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters

The stoichiometric reactions of 8-(2,6-R¹-4-R²-anilide)-5,6,7-trihydroquinoline (LH) with AlR₃ (R = Me or Et) afforded the aluminum complexes LAlR₂ (Al1⁻Al5,Al1: R¹ = ⁱPr, R² = H, R = Me; Al2: R¹ = Me, R² = H, R = Me; Al3: R¹ = H, R² = H, R = Me; Al4: R¹ = Me, R² = Me, R = Me; Al5: R¹ = Me, R² = Me, R = Et) in high yields. All aluminum complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of complexes Al4 and Al5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractions and revealed a distorted tetrahedral geometry at aluminum. In the presence of BnOH, complexes Al1⁻Al5 efficiently initiated the ring-opening homopolymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and rac-lactide (rac-LA), respectively, in a living/controlled manner.

Synthesis of dinuclear aluminum complexes bearing bis-phenolate ligand and application in ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

Dinuclear zwitterionic aluminum complexes were prepared and applied as efficient catalysts toward ROP of ε-CL in a controlled manner.

β-Pyridylenolate zinc catalysts for the ring-opening homo- and copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and lactides

Eleven zinc β-quinolylenolates with varying substituents have been synthesized, and some of these complexes are excellent catalysts for the ring-opening homo- and copolymerization of ε-CL and LAs.

Bimetallic Schiff base complexes for stereoselective polymerisation of racemic-lactide and copolymerisation of racemic-lactide with ε-caprolactone

Bimetallic Schiff-base complexes with different bridging parts and silyl-substituents were applied for stereoselective ROP ofrac-LA, and copolymerisation ofrac-LA/ε-CL.

Copolymerization of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone catalyzed by mono-and dinuclear salen aluminum complexes bearing bulky 6,6′-dimethylbipheyl-bridge: random and tapered copolymer

Mono- and dinuclear salen aluminum complexes bearing a racemic 6,6′-dimethyl-biphenyl bridge could efficiently catalyze the copolymerization of l-LA and ε-CL in the melt, producing practically random and tapered copolymers, respectively.

Synthesis and structural characterization of titanium and zirconium complexes containing half-salen ligands as catalysts for polymerization reactions

Ti(iv) and Zr(iv) complexes of tridentate half-salen ligands were synthesized for the polymerization of lactide and ε-CL, homopolymerization, copolymerization and coupling of epoxides with CO₂. All the complexes were found to be effective catalysts for different polymerization reactions.

Ring-opening homo- and co-polymerization of lactides and ε-caprolactone by salalen aluminum complexes

Aluminum complexes of non-chiral-salalen ligands were investigated in the catalysis of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide and ε-caprolactone and in their copolymerization. The aluminum-salalen complexes were found to polymerize all varieties of lactide, namely: l-, d-, rac- and meso-lactide, and showed moderate productivities. rac-LA gave rise to isotactic polylactides (with Pm up to 72%), while meso-LA gave rise to heterotactic polylactides (with a Pm of 79%). An experiment was designed for distinguishing between chain-end control and enantiomorphic-site control combined with polymeryl exchange for the isotactic stereoblock microstructure observed for the PLA produced from rac-LA; it gave strong evidence for polymeryl exchange between propagating species. Finally, this class of catalysts promoted the copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and lactides. In particular, compound allowed controlled random copolymerization of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide.

Comparing l-lactide and ε-caprolactone polymerization by using aluminum complexes bearing ketiminate ligands: steric, electronic, and chelating effects

Herein, the l-lactide polymerization rate of a series of Al complexes bearing ketimine ligands was investigated, and the polymerization characteristics between l-lactide and ε-caprolactone were compared.

Hemi-salen aluminum catalysts bearing N, N, O-tridentate type binaphthyl-Schiff-base ligands for the living ring-opening polymerisation of lactide

Hemi-salen aluminum complexes bearing tridentate N, N, O-type binaphthyl-Schiff-base ligands were synthesized and studied as catalysts for living polymerisation of lactide.