Lewis Pair Polymerization (LPP) is a unique polymerization technique which exploits the synergy and cooperativity of Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis base pairs. The LPP idea was transpired from recent developments in organocatalytic zwitterionic polymerization typically used in ring-opening and conjugate addition polymerizations, which were limited by lack of control and limited monomer scope. The introduction of LAs to the zwitterionic process mechanistically changes the nature of the polymerization and affords greater control and tunability. These advantages are especially useful for the polymerization of bio-derived monomers, which are highly functionalized compared to those sourced from petroleum, where chemoselectivity is of great interest. Additionally, LPP uniquely provides a means of influencing the growing chain end, which provides an opportunity to control the stereoselectivity of addition; a challenge that is scarcely addressed in organocatalytic polymerization literature but nonetheless essential for the design of advanced stereoregular or crystalline materials. Herein, this presentation will discuss our recent efforts in the development of LPP in the pursuit of more chemoselective and stereoselective polymerization reactions.

Exploiting Lewis pair polymerization to overcome challenges in chemo- and stereoselectivity

2019 Fall National Meeting

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