A method was developed using redox-control as a means to induce branching in poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Combining lactide with an iron-based pre-catalyst, and using an epoxy alcohol as the initiator leads to the production of linear PLA containing epoxide end groups. In situ catalyst oxidation changes the chemoselectivity of the iron-based catalyst, resulting in the ring opening of the epoxide end groups. Branches or loops are formed depending on whether this reaction occurs intramolecularly or intermolecularly. Investigations into the ability to control branching in this system using redox cycling at the metal center will be discussed for the synthesis of PLA with tunable, branched architectures.

Utilizing chemoselective, redox-switchable iron-based catalysts for the synthesis of branched PLA

256th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.