Ring-opening polymerization of e-Caprolactone was reported for the first time using Stannous 2-Ethylhexanoate and purposely added benzyl alcohol under microwave heating. Single mode cavity reactor at 2.45GHz was employed. Direct comparison of reaction using identical conditions under microwave and conventional thermal heating suggested that microwaves offered the enhancement of polymerization rate. Under microwave heating, the polymerization is a living process. Polydispersity index fluctuation indicated well-known transesterification processes. Target polymer molecular weights were obtained at completed conversion. Catalyst concentration had a significant impact on polymerization rate. Surprisingly the polymerization even completed at 99% conversion within only 2 min with appropriate catalyst concentration.

Microwave-assisted polymerization of &epsi;-Caprolactone using Stannous 2-Ethylhexanoate and purposely added alcohol

240th National Meeting (2010)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.