Development of Highly Active and Regioselective Catalysts for the Copolymerization of Epoxides with Cyclic Anhydrides: An Unanticipated Effect of Electronic Variation

作者：DiCiccio Angela M; Longo Julie M; Rodriguez Calero Gabriel G; Coates Geoffrey W^*

来源：Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2016, 138(22): 7107-7113.

DOI：10.1021/jacs.6b03113

Recent developments in polyester synthesis have established several systems based on zinc, chromium, cobalt, and aluminum catalysts for the ring-opening alternating copolymerization of epoxides with cyclic anhydrides. However, to date, regioselective processes for this copolymerization have remained relatively unexplored. Herein we report the development of a highly active, regioselective system for the copolymerization of a variety of terminal epoxides and cyclic anhydrides. Unexpectedly, electron withdrawing substituents on the salen framework resulted in a more redox stable Co(III) species and longer catalyst lifetime. Using enantiopure propylene oxide, we synthesized semicrystalline polyesters via the copolymerization of a range of epoxide/anhydride monomer pairs.

• 出版日期2016-6-8