The organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters has been explored in depth over the past decade. Though the ROP of small and medium ring sized cyclic esters have been illustrated in a vast number of publications, fewer studies have been done concerning the organocatalytic ROP of macrolactones. Our recently developed H-bond mediated organocatalysts demonstrate highly controlled and a living polymerization behavior for macrolactones. The organocatalytic ROP of a thionolactone, ε-thionocaprolactone was reported recently. Indeed, the ROP of large thionolactones was previously unexplored, but we conducted their ROP with H-bond mediated cocatalysts. This reaction also shows excellent control and ‘living’ character. Copolymers of lactones and thionolactones were synthesized, the low melting points and the amorphous nature of the copolymers promise new applications.

Organocatalytic Ring opening polymerization of macrolactones and thionolactones

256th National Meeting (2018)

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