Concerning the ring-opening polymerization of lactide and cyclic esters by coordination metal catalysts

• Published in: Pure and applied chemistry Vol. 82; no. 8; pp. 1647 - 1662
• Main Author: Chisholm, Malcolm H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin De Gruyter 19.06.2010; Walter de Gruyter GmbH
• Subjects: Aluminum; biodegradability; Catalysis; Catalysts; cyclic esters; Esters; metal–alkoxides; polyesters; Polylactic acid; Polymerization; Ring opening polymerization; Stereoselectivity; Syndiotacticity

A summary of the reactions involved in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA) to give polylactides (PLAs) is presented along with competing reactions. Particular attention is given to the stereoselective polymerization of -LA to give heterotactic PLA and -LA to give syndiotactic PLA b...