Tripartite hydrogen-bonding as a driving force for high-concentration cyclization of poly(l-lactide).

ABSTRACT: A three-step strategy enables efficient cyclization of high-M _n PLLA at 0.5 M. Key to success is a persistent tripartite complex driven by hydrogen bonding and ion pairing. Selective intramolecular transesterification at a benzylic ester triggers ring closure, affording cyclic PLLA (M _n ≈ 26 000 g mol^-1) under synthetically practical conditions. SPM imaging reveals nanorings with diameters consistent with the expected contour length of cyclic PLLA chains.

SUBMITTER: Moins S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12766472 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature