Reaction mechanisms and synthetic methods used for the preparation of homo- and copolylactides based on tin(II) and tin(IV) catalysts are reviewed.
The usefulness of seven different tin catalysts, bismuth subsalicylate and titan tetra(ethoxide) for the polycondensation of ethyl L-lactate (ELA) was examined at 150 °C for 6 d.
ABx and ABxC poly(ester-ether) polymers were synthesized and their units were shown to greatly affect thermal properties and significantly increase polymer degradability.
L-Lactide (LA) was polymerized with neat tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) in toluene at 115 °C at low concentration with variation of the LA/Cat ratio.
Preformed polylactides with CH-OH and COOH end groups were heated with three different catalysts. Proton-catalyzed esterification favored chain growth, while tin catalysts favored cycle formation.