Catalysts suitable for the ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters and cyclic amides

摘要

A new family of Group IV transition metal catalytic compounds are provided, which are capable of catalysing the ROP of cyclic esters and cyclic amides to yield polymers of high molecular weight and narrow PDI. The new family of catalysts are surprisingly active not only in catalysing the ROP of lactones such as caprolactone, but also macrolactones (e.g. ω-pentadecalactone, PDL), where the reduced amount of ring strain would typically compromise efficient polymerisation. Also provided is a process for the ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of a cyclic ester or a cyclic amide employing the new catalytic compounds.