Recently, the ring-opening transesterification polymerization of d-decalactone, a naturally occurring cyclic ester used by the food and flavor industry, has been incorporated into an introductory organic chemistry laboratory experiment.  Formation of a block copolymer by chain extension with L-lactide illustrated the synthesis of a thermoplastic elastomer material made from all renewable resources with potentially biodegradable properties.  To further engage the students in learning about polymers and how molecular structure affects mechanical properties, we investigated a student project approach to the experimental design.  Variation of parameters such as the initiator used (monol, diol, triol, and tetraol), organocatalyst (diphenyl phosphate), and composition of each of the polymer blocks incorporated were examined.  Trends related to physical properties characteristics that students could predict, compare and discuss were evaluated.

Studies toward an inquiry-based laboratory experiment based on d-decalactone triblock copolymers

247th National Meeting (2014)

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