Recent Advances in Enantioselective Ring-opening Polymerization and Copolymerization

Overview

Journal Commun Chem

Publisher Springer Nature

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2023 Sep 29

PMID 37775528

Authors

Xiaoyu Xie

Ziyu Huo

Eungyo Jang

Rong Tong

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Precisely controlling macromolecular stereochemistry and sequences is a powerful strategy for manipulating polymer properties. Controlled synthetic routes to prepare degradable polyester, polycarbonate, and polyether are of recent interest due to the need for sustainable materials as alternatives to petrochemical-based polyolefins. Enantioselective ring-opening polymerization and ring-opening copolymerization of racemic monomers offer access to stereoregular polymers, specifically enantiopure polymers that form stereocomplexes with improved physicochemical and mechanical properties. Here, we highlight the state-of-the-art of this polymerization chemistry that can produce microstructure-defined polymers. In particular, the structures and performances of various homogeneous enantioselective catalysts are presented. Trends and future challenges of such chemistry are discussed.

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