One-pot synthesis of random, gradient, and block polyesters via the ring opening copolymerization of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides is investigated using simple yttrium salt catalysts. Impact of rate versus product determining steps is discussed.
Lanthanide chloride salts, with a cocatalyst, are used as a near “one-size-fits-all” catalyst system to perform the ring-opening copolymerization of diverse epoxides and cyclic anhydrides.
Biobased menthyl, thymyl, and carvacryl glycidyl ethers were copolymerized with CO2, leading to molar masses up to 60 kg mol−1 with Tg values ranging from 0 to 58 °C. The polymers degrade under basic conditions, affording diols and CO2 for recycling.
This study achieved catalytic degradation of polycarbonates and transformation of CO2 into propylene carbonate under ambient conditions.
Metal catalysts, with thoughtful consideration towards simplicity, can bridge the gap between commercial and designer catalysts in aliphatic polyester synthesis, offering examples of maintaining polymerization control without complicated synthesis.