A simplified approach for the metal-free polymerization of propylene oxide.

ABSTRACT: Triethyl borane (Et₃B), in combination with phosphazene-type superbases, has recently emerged as a powerful co-catalyst for the anionic polymerization of epoxides. Here, it is demonstrated that the monomer-activating property of Et₃B can also compensate for the application of much gentler organobases. This not only results in simpler setups, but also significantly reduces nucleophilicity/basicity-derived side reactions. Notably, this principle applies to such a degree that simple 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) can serve to polymerize propylene oxide (PO). With suitable initiators, this results for example in very well-defined block copolyethers (Ð _M ≤ 1.03) without requiring work-up to remove side products suc

SUBMITTER: Vogler C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9058424 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature