The physical properties of polylactide (PLA), especially its rates of chemical and biological degradation, are determined by the three-dimensional orientation of substituents along the polymer chain (<i>i.e.</i>, its microstructure). Considerable effort has been devoted to controlling PLA microstructure, and numerous catalysts have been developed towards this end; notably, many of these catalysts possess optically active ligands. Recently, attention has been paid to the development of titanium-based lactide polymerization catalysts due to their potential for both high activity and biocompatibility. Herein we report the preparation and ability of titanium complexes bearing chiral tartrate ligands to catalyze the polymerization of D,L-lactide. Specifically, we discuss the effect of ligand architecture upon the rate of the polymerization reactions, as well as on the microstructure of the resultant polymers.

Controlled polymerization of D,L-lactide with titanium(IV) tartrates

251st National Meeting (2016)

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