Ring-opening polymerization of L-lactic acid O-carboxyanhydrides initiated by alkoxy rare earth compounds

Molecules. 2013 Oct 15;18(10):12768-76. doi: 10.3390/molecules181012768.

Abstract

The ring-opening polymerization of L-lactic acid O-carboxyanhydrides was initiated by triisopropoxyneodymium in toluene-THF mixtures. Typically, high yields and relatively high molecular weight PLAs were obtained within 4 h at 25 °C. The reaction was highly controllable and easy to conduct, and the molecular weight distribution of the PLAs was rather narrow (Mw/Mn = 1.10-1.36). NMR analysis showed that one end of the PLA chain consisted of an isopropoxy group, while the other end of the chain contained a hydroxyl group. Due to their availability and high polymerizability, Lac-OCAs are promising monomers for the preparation of tailored architectures derived from well-defined PLAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anhydrides / chemistry*
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Furans
  • Lactic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Neodymium / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Solvents
  • Thermogravimetry
  • Toluene

Substances

  • Anhydrides
  • Furans
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Polymers
  • Solvents
  • Neodymium
  • Lactic Acid
  • Toluene
  • tetrahydrofuran