Stereospecific catalytic precision polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine via rare earth metal-mediated group transfer polymerization with 2-methoxyethylamino-bis(phenolate)-yttrium complexes

Abstract

2-Methoxyethylamino-bis(phenolate)-yttrium complexes were employed in the catalytic precision polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine (2VP). The C₁-symmetric catalyst systems are able to isospecifically polymerize prochiral 2-vinylpyridine with moderate to high activities. Tacticities ranging from atactic to isotactic can be achieved (P_m = 0.54–0.74). Mechanistic studies through ¹³C NMR microstructure analysis of the resulting isotactic P2VP show an enantiomorphic site control mechanism.