The copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides has been researched with a wide variety of catalysts, but many systems are plagued by the production of high levels of cyclic carbonate byproduct.  Investigations into new epoxide monomers have provided useful information regarding how the nature of the epoxide affects polymer/cyclic selectivity.  This talk will focus on the reactions of epoxides known to be difficult to copolymerize with CO2 including indene oxide, cyclopentene oxide, and styrene oxide.  Each of these species all have a high propensity of forming cyclic byproducts, and the various methods of cyclic formation have been investigated using detailed kinetic studies via in situ ATR-FTIR.  The catalysts and conditions necessary to promote copolymerization over cyclization will also be discussed.

Selectivity origins for the coupling of CO<sub>2</sub> and epoxides

245th National Meeting (2013)

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

Selectivity origins for the coupling of CO2 and epoxides

Selectivity origins for the coupling of CO₂ and epoxides