Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
No Strain, No Gain? Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Strainless Aliphatic Macrolactones
Timo Witt1, Manuel Häußler1, Stefan Mecking1
1Chair of Chemical Materials Science, University of Konstanz, Department of Chemistry, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
Abstract:
Starting from readily available oleic and erucic acid, macrocyclic nonadecalactone (C19 ) and tricosalactone (C23 ) can be synthesized in polymerization grade purity in a four-step reaction sequence. Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of these strainless macrolactones can be performed utilizing an enzyme as a catalyst. Despite the missing ring-strain as key driving force for smaller (strained) lactones, high molar masses (Mn ≈ 105 g mol-1 ) can be accessed in an entropically driven ROP. Polyester-19 and polyester-23 prepared feature melting temperatures well above 100 °C. Further analysis of the mechanical properties of these materials displays the resemblance to polyethylene. For example, Young's moduli on the order of 600 MPa are observed as a result of the high crystallinity of the polymer.
Related Concept Videos
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
Base-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides
Acid-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides
Cyclohexenones via Michael Addition and Aldol Condensation: The Robinson Annulation
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists of a...
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis

