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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
05:48
Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
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Recent advances in enantioselective ring-opening polymerization and copolymerization.
Xiaoyu Xie1, Ziyu Huo1, Eungyo Jang1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA.
Communications Chemistry
|September 29, 2023
Summary
Researchers are developing sustainable polymers using controlled ring-opening polymerization. This method creates stereoregular polymers with enhanced properties, offering alternatives to traditional plastics.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Sustainable materials are crucial alternatives to petrochemical-based polyolefins.
- Controlling macromolecular stereochemistry and sequences enhances polymer properties.
- Degradable polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyethers are of recent interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the state-of-the-art in enantioselective ring-opening polymerization for microstructure-defined polymers.
- To present the structures and performances of homogeneous enantioselective catalysts.
- To discuss trends and future challenges in this polymerization chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Enantioselective ring-opening polymerization of racemic monomers.
- Ring-opening copolymerization of racemic monomers.
- Synthesis and characterization of stereoregular polymers.
Main Results:
- Access to stereoregular polymers, including enantiopure polymers.
- Formation of polymer stereocomplexes with improved physicochemical and mechanical properties.
- Demonstration of microstructure-defined polymer synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Enantioselective polymerization provides precise control over polymer microstructure.
- This approach yields polymers with superior properties, suitable for sustainable applications.
- Further development of catalysts and processes is needed to address future challenges.
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