Greater than the Sum of Its Parts: A Heterodinuclear Polymerization Catalyst

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Dec 9;137(48):15078-81. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b09913. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

Abstract

Homodinuclear catalysts have good precedent for epoxide and carbon dioxide/anhydride copolymerizations; in contrast, so far pure heterodinuclear catalysts are unknown. The synthesis and properties of a heterodinuclear Zn(II)/Mg(II) complex coordinated by a symmetrical macrocyclic ligand are reported. It shows high polymerization selectivity, control, and significantly greater activity compared to either of the homodinuclear analogues or any combinations of them. Indeed, compared to a 50:50 mixture of the homodinuclear complexes, it shows 5 times (CO2/epoxide) or 40 times (anhydride/epoxide) greater activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't