Organic acids catalyzed polymerization of ε-caprolactone: Synthesis and characterization

Organocatalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization of ϵ-Caprolactone with Phosphoramidimidates (PADIs) as a Bifunctional Brønsted Acid Catalyst

In this study, an organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ϵ-caprolactone (ϵ-CL) has been developed by employing PADIs as a novel and efficient acid/base bifunctional organocatalyst, which could afford metal-free poly(ϵ-caprolactone) with predictable molecular weight and narrow dispersity at a low catalyst loading under mild conditions. NMR and kinetic studies indicate that the ring-opening polymerizations of lactones catalyzed by PADIs proceed in a living and well controlled manner. Moreover, this organic Brønsted acid catalytic system could allow the synthesis of PCL with molecular weight above 60 kg/mol, as well as well-defined star polymers.

Diphenyl phosphate/ethyl diphenylphosphinite as an efficient organocatalytic system for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and δ-valerolactone

A novel controlled/living ROP method of ε-CL and δ-VL using ethyl diphenylphosphinite/diphenyl phosphate (EDPP/DPP) organocatalytic system was revealed, which involves the activated monomer mechanism and the reversible chain end deactivation process.

Development and Evaluation of Matrices Composed of β-cyclodextrin and Biodegradable Polyesters in the Controlled Delivery of Pindolol

Polymer-drug conjugates are currently being more widely investigated for the treatment of hypertension. In view of the above, in the first stage of our work, we used nontoxic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as effective, simple, inexpensive, and safe for the human body initiator for the synthesis of biocompatible and biodegradable functionalized polymers suitable for the medical and pharmaceutical applications. The obtained polymeric products were synthesized through a ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (CL), d,l-, and l,l-lactide (LA and LLA). The chemical structures of synthesized materials were elucidated based on ¹H NMR and solid-state carbon-13 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C CP/MAS NMR) analysis, while the incorporation of β-CD molecule into the polymer chain was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Furthermore, molecular modeling has been applied to investigate the intrachain rigidities and chain architectures for several representative structures. The obtained and thoroughly characterized branched matrices were then used to generate the first β-cyclodextrin/biodegradable polymer/β-blocker conjugate through the successful conjugation of pindolol. The conjugates were fabricated by carbodiimide-mediated coupling reaction. The branched biodegradable materials released the drug in vitro in a sustained manner and without “burst release” and thus have the ability to treat different heart diseases.

A preorganized dual H-bond donor promotes benzoic acid active in the polymerization of δ-valerolactone

An enzyme-mimetic model follows squalene hopene cyclase is success in catalysis of ROP of δ-valerolactone in solution at room temperature by a carboxylic “strong” acid.

Tunable intramolecular H-bonding promotes benzoic acid activity in polymerization: inspiration from nature

Intramolecular H-bonding of ortho-amido group(s) tuned benzoic acid into strong Brønsted acid active in ring-opening polymerizations of lactones and trimethylene carbonate at room temperature in solutions.

Organocatalyzed Group Transfer Polymerization

In contrast to the conventional group transfer polymerization (GTP) using a catalyst of either an anionic nucleophile or a transition-metal compound, the organocatalyzed GTP has to a great extent improved the living characteristics of the polymerization from the viewpoints of synthesizing structurally well-defined acrylic polymers and constructing defect-free polymer architectures. In this article, we describe the organocatalyzed GTP from a relatively personal perspective to provide our colleagues with a perspicuous and systematic overview on its recent progress as well as a reply to the curiosity of how excellently the organocatalysts have performed in this field. The stated perspectives of this review mainly cover five aspects, in terms of the assessment of the livingness of the polymerization, limit and scope of applicable monomers, mechanistic studies, control of the polymer structure, and a new GTP methodology involving the use of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and hydrosilane.

Utilization of renewable bio-based resources, viz. sorbitol, diol, and diacid, in the preparation of two pack PU anticorrosive coatings

The present work reveals utilization of renewable sources sorbitol, diacids, and 1,4-butanediol in synthesizing the polyol for polyurethane coatings rather than consumption of petroleum source based ingredients.

Three is company: dual intramolecular hydrogen-bond enabled carboxylic acid active in ring-opening polymerization

Dual intramolecular H-bonding made weak Brønsted acid an active catalyst in cationic ring-opening polymerizations.

Synthesis and properties of a star-shaped poly(ϵ-caprolactone)-ibuprofen conjugate

A series of novel star-shaped poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) biodegradable polyesters were synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone in the presence of a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer initiator. The polymers (PAMAM/PCLs) were obtained with a high yield (92%) and a number-average molecular weight of up to 14 000 g/mol. The nonlinear structure of PAMAM/PCLs was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel-permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermal analysis indicated that the star-shaped PAMAM/PCLs had a melting point, degree of crystallinity, glass transition temperature and maximum decomposition temperature all lower than those of linear PCL. Ibuprofen (IBU), a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was co-valently (ester) bonded to the PAMAM/PCL molecules using the DCC/DMAP coupling method (DCC, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide; DMAP, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine). A high drug content (33.1 mol%) in the conjugate was obtained. The in-vitro drug-release profiles of IBU from the PAMAM/PCL/IBU conjugate were examined and found adequate for drug-carrier applications of our star-shaped polymers.