Stereoselective polymerization of epoxides using organoboron catalysts

Abstract

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the realm of organoboron catalysis for the homopolymerization of epoxides and the copolymerization of epoxides and other monomers. Nevertheless, the utilization of chiral organoboron catalysts for the stereoselective polymerization of epoxides is underdeveloped and highly needed. Herein, we present a suite of chiral bifunctional and binary organoboron catalysts to catalyze the homopolymerization of racemic epoxides in isotactic-enriched polyethers (62.1%m–84.8%m) with narrow dispersities. This article explores the effects of catalysts with different chemical structures and initiators as well as the reaction temperature and solvents on the stereoselective polymerization of epoxides, providing guidance for the upgrading of chiral organoboron catalysts and the design of new organocatalysts.