Catalyst suitable for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters and cyclic amides

摘要

A new group of Group IV transition metal catalyst compounds that can catalyze the ROP of cyclic esters and cyclic amides to produce polymers with high molecular weight and narrow PDI is provided. The new catalyst family is surprisingly active in catalyzing ROPs of lactones such as caprolactone, as well as macrolactones (e.g., ω-pentadeca) where reduced amounts of ring strain typically compromise efficient polymerization. It is also active in catalyzing ROP of lactone, PDL). Also provided is a ring-opening polymerization (ROP) method of a cyclic ester or cyclic amide using a new catalytic compound.