Coordination compounds of iron have been characterized by Byers and co-workers as catalysts for the ring-opening transesterification polymerization (ROTEP) of lactide as well as for the polymerization of epoxides. In select instances, the same catalyst may show strongly selective activity for one process or the other as a  function of oxidation state. Theoretical modeling has provided key insights into the mechanisms of these processes at the atomic level of detail, and insights won should prove useful for the design of next-generation catalysts achieving improved levels of activity, selectivity, and stereocontrol where possible.

Factors controlling the activity of Fe-based catalysts for the polymerization of lactide and epoxides

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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