Redox control of group 4 metal ring-opening polymerization activity toward L-lactide and ε-caprolactone

J Am Chem Soc. 2014 Aug 13;136(32):11264-7. doi: 10.1021/ja505883u. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Abstract

The activity of several group 4 metal alkoxide complexes supported by ferrocene-based ligands was controlled using redox reagents during the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone. Switching in situ between the oxidized and reduced forms of a metal complex resulted in a change in the corresponding rate of polymerization. Opposite behavior was observed for each monomer used. One-pot copolymerization of the two monomers to give block copolymers was also achieved.