RESUMEN
Heterometallic cooperativity is gaining momentum in cyclic ester ring-opening polymerisation, yet remains surprisingly underexplored in their block copolymerisations. Here, we report the first homogeneous heterometallic "ate" catalysts for poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(lactic acid) block copolymers, showcasing the substantial differences in the polymer structures observed upon exchanging Zn for Mg or Ca.
RESUMEN
Correction for 'Main group metal polymerisation catalysts' by Eszter Fazekas et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2022, 51, 8793-8814, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CS00048B.
RESUMEN
With sustainability at the forefront of current polymerisation research, the typically earth-abundant, inexpensive and low-toxicity main group metals are attractive candidates for catalysis. Main group metals have been exploited in a broad range of polymerisations, ranging from classical alkene polymerisation to the synthesis of new bio-derived and degradable polyesters and polycarbonates via ring-opening polymerisation and ring-opening copolymerisation. This tutorial review highlights efficient polymerisation catalysts based on Group 1, Group 2, Zn and Group 13 metals. Key mechanistic pathways and catalyst developments are discussed, including tailored ligand design, heterometallic cooperativity, bicomponent systems and careful selection of the polymerisation conditions, all of which can be used to fine-tune the metal Lewis acidity and the metal-alkyl bond polarity.
