Ring-opening polymerization of L-lactic acid O-carboxyanhydrides initiated by alkoxy rare earth compounds
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Zhengguo He1, Lin Jiang, Yongming Chuan
1Engineering Research Center of Biopolymer Functional Materials of Yunnan, Yunnan University of Nationalities, Kunming 650500, China. yml@188.com.
Abstract:
The ring-opening polymerization of L-lactic acid O-carboxyanhydrides was initiated by triisopropoxyneodymium in toluene-THF mixtures. Typically, high yields and relatively high molecular weight PLAs were obtained within 4 h at 25 °C. The reaction was highly controllable and easy to conduct, and the molecular weight distribution of the PLAs was rather narrow (Mw/Mn = 1.10-1.36). NMR analysis showed that one end of the PLA chain consisted of an isopropoxy group, while the other end of the chain contained a hydroxyl group. Due to their availability and high polymerizability, Lac-OCAs are promising monomers for the preparation of tailored architectures derived from well-defined PLAs.
More Related Videos
11:42Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
11:17Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
Published on: January 19, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Acid-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Base-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis