Organocatalysis for polymerization is an attractive alternative to metal-based catalysis from the standpoint of sustainability and polymer end-use applications. Polymers exhibiting chemical recyclability are also of growing interest as a strategy to prevent plastic waste in a circular economy. In this study, selective organocatalysis has been applied to a new monomer in the scope of ring-opening polymerization (ROP), 4,5-<i>trans</i>-cyclohexyl-fused g-butyrolactone (4,5-T6GBL), and the resulting polymer shows quantitative chemical recyclability back to monomer. Linear polymers can be produced in a living fashion using (thio)urea and organic or inorganic base pairs, while cyclic polymers are afforded via <i>N</i>-heterocyclic carbene-mediated zwitterionic ROP. The organocatalyzed system showed several benefits in comparison to the metal-catalyzed system. The results of this study, as well as those of analogous lactams, will be discussed in this talk.

Selective or living organopolymerization of a six-five bicyclic lactone to produce fully recyclable polyesters

2019 Fall National Meeting

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