Aluminum Salen and Salan Polymerization Catalysts: From Monomer Scope to Macrostructure Control

J. P. Macdonald, M. P. Shaver

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Aluminum salen and salan complexes have been extensively employed as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters. The high tunability of the ligand framework has encouraged the systematic study of substituent effects on optimizing polymer and copolymer synthesis. Building on early work, designed catalysts are able to produce highly isotactic or heterotactic poly(lactic acid). The monomer scope has grown to include ?-lactones, ?-valerolactone, lactide, (substituted) ?-caprolactones and macrolactones, with a significant level of control over molecular weight and dispersity (?). Polymer macrostructures have also been explored, often resulting in well-defined and predictable products. Macrostructures synthesized include random copolymers, AB diblock and ABA triblock copolymers and polymer stars. Polymer macrostructure control can tune properties not accessible through homopolymerization.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGreen Polymer Chemistry
Subtitle of host publicationBiobased Materials and Biocatalysis
EditorsPatrick B. Smith, H. N. Cheng, Richard A. Gross
PublisherAmerican Chemical Society
Pages147-167
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9780841230651
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameACS Symposium Series
Volume1192
ISSN (Print)0097-6156
ISSN (Electronic)1947-5918

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