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Cationic indium complexes for the copolymerization of functionalized epoxides with cyclic ethers and lactide
Carlos Diaz1, Tannaz Ebrahimi, Parisa Mehrkhodavandi
1University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada. mehr@chem.ubc.ca.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|March 1, 2019
Summary
This study introduces novel cationic indium catalysts for polymerizing epoxides, cyclic ethers, and lactide. The [SalenIn][SbF6] complex demonstrated high activity in various polymerization reactions, enabling controlled copolymer synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Cationic polymerization is crucial for synthesizing various polymers.
- Developing efficient catalysts for copolymerization remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first discrete cationic indium complexes for copolymerization.
- To evaluate their catalytic activity in polymerizing epoxides, cyclic ethers, and lactide.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of discrete cationic indium complexes.
- Homopolymerization and copolymerization studies using epoxides, THF, oxetane, oxepane, epichlorohydrin, and lactide.
- Kinetic investigations on epoxide polymerization.
Main Results:
- [SalenIn][SbF6] showed high activity in homopolymerization and copolymerization.
- The catalyst was effective for epichlorohydrin and lactide polymerization, yielding controlled copolymers.
- Solvent effects on initiation rates were observed.
Conclusions:
- Discrete cationic indium complexes are effective catalysts for diverse polymerization reactions.
- The [SalenIn][SbF6] complex offers a promising route for synthesizing functionalized polymers and copolymers.
- Understanding solvent effects is key to optimizing polymerization kinetics.
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