5-Methylfurfural, which can be synthesized from biomass-derived carbohydrates, was combined with 2,6-alkyl disubstituted anilines via reductive amination with NaBH<sub>4</sub> to make a series of small molecules for use as ligands. These ligands were added to tetrakisdimethylamidozirconium via a substitution reaction in toluene in an inert atmosphere. These zirconium complexes were then used to catalyze the polymerization of lactide. The ligands were produced in yields ranging from 50-90%, and the polymerization reactions provided polymers with yields ranging from 20-40% with molecular weights of approximately 5000 g/mol.

Synthesis and characterization of furan-based ligands for use in lactide polymerization

249th National Meeting (2015)

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