Organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization

Abstract

Some of the important advances in organocatalytic polymerization reactions and the utility of organocatalytic methods for the synthesis of complex polymer architectures have been highlighted. The primary focus is the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones such as lactide, β-butyrlactone, δ-valerolactone, and ε-caprolactone. Discussion on other strained cyclic monomers is also provided. Organocatalytic methods for ROP provide a complementary approach to those mediated by metal alkoxides or enzymes. The rates and selectivities of organocatalysts can be competitive with the most active and selective metal-based or enzyme catalysts. The different mechanisms of enchainment engendered by the different classes of organocatalysts proviode new opportunities for the controlled synthesis of macromolecules.