Development of Metal Based Catalysts for Ring Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters and Related Compounds

Abstract

Metal catalyzed ring opening polymerization ROP is one of the most valuable strategies for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers. It enables access to well defined polymers which have a broad range of applications in agriculture, medicine, material science, and food industries. This dissertation focuses on the development of new catalytic systems for ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters and other organic transformations. Chapter 4 covers the synthesis of low molecular weight linear, branched, and star shaped polycaprolactone using Lewis acid i.e. copper perchlorate as a catalyst. In addition, indium triflate catalyzed ROP, and ring opening copolymerization of pentadecalactone is discussed. Resultant homo copolymers are characterized by spectroscopic and thermal analysis. newline