Cu(triNHC)-catalyzed polymerization of glycidol to produce ultralow-branched polyglycerol.

ABSTRACT: We have successfully synthesized a novel form of polyglycerol with an unprecedentedly low degree of branching (DB = 0.08-0.18), eliminating the need for glycidol protection. Leveraging the remarkable efficiency and selectivity of our Cu(triNHC) catalyst, comprising copper(i) ions and NHC ligands, we achieved a highly selective polymerization process. The proposed Cu-coordination mechanisms presented the formation of linear L_1,3 units while effectively suppressing dendritic units. Consequently, our pioneering approach yielded polyglycerol with an ultralow DB and exceptional yields. To comprehensively assess the physical properties and topology of the synthesized polyglycerol, we employed ¹H diffusion-ordered spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography, and matri

SUBMITTER: Sung K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10415747 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature