The physical properties of polylactide (PLA), especially its rates of chemical and biological degradation, are detailed by the three-dimensional orientation of substituents along the polymer chain (i.e., 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 a titanium complex bearing a chiral benzyl tartrate ligand to catalyze the polymerization of D,L-lactide. Specifically, we discuss the ability of the catalyst to control the molecular weight and stereochemistry of the resultant polymers.

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

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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