Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Ring-opening polymerization of DD-lactide catalyzed by Novozyme 435
Marc Hans1, Helmut Keul, Martin Moeller
1DWI an der RWTH Aachen e.V., Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 8, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
In contrast to LLA, DLA is converted in toluene solution under mild reaction conditions (50-70 degrees C) using Novozyme 435 (immobilized CALB) to form the corresponding polymer. The influence of several parameters, such as enzyme concentration, temperature and monomer concentration, on the polymerization rate and the monomer conversion was studied. In contrast to the Novozyme 435 catalyzed polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone, enzyme deactivation occurs. It is attributed to the deprivation of water from the enzyme. This work points out that by careful selection of the reaction conditions, it is possible to obtain poly(D-lactide) in reasonable molecular weights and in high yields using Novozyme 435 catalysis.
Related Concept Videos
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists of a...

