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Dual-selective polymerization: achieving chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity in a single catalytic system.
Hengxu Liu1, Jiayun Jiang1, Xue Liang1
1Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China. 1019zhuyq@tongji.edu.cn.
Faraday Discussions
|September 16, 2025
Summary
A chiral thiourea catalyst, (S,S)-TUC, achieves dual chemoselective and stereoselective synthesis of complex block copolymers. This breakthrough enables precise polymer architectures for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Precise synthesis of multifunctional block copolymers with tailored architectures is challenging.
- Balancing chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity in a single catalytic system is a key hurdle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the dual chemoselective and stereoselective capabilities of a chiral thiourea catalyst, (S,S)-TUC.
- To enable the synthesis of well-defined block copolymers using a single catalyst.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercially available chiral thiourea catalyst, (S,S)-TUC.
- Investigated polymerization pathways in TMC/rac-LA and PA/PO/rac-LA systems.
- Employed comprehensive characterization techniques including NMR, SEC, in situ IR, and CD spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated dual selectivity of (S,S)-TUC for distinct polymerization pathways.
- Synthesized pentablock copolymers via stereoselective ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and alternating copolymerization.
- Confirmed catalyst adaptability and successful synthesis of complex architectures.
Conclusions:
- Established a unified platform for synthesizing structurally complex copolymers using (S,S)-TUC.
- Highlighted the catalyst's mild conditions, cost-effectiveness, and low environmental toxicity.
- Showcased potential applications in biodegradable materials, composites, and biomedical devices.
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