An Expanded Range of Catalysts for Synthesizing Biodegradable Polyphosphonates

Emily K. Macdonald, Michael P. Shaver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

In this paper we expand the scope of catalysts able to mediate the ring opening polymerisation of the phosphonate monomer 2-methyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphalone-2-oxide. A range of nitrogen bases efficiently catalyse the reaction, each with pKas of 19 or above; lower pKa bases do not ring open the monomer. Aluminium based catalysts supported by salen and salan ligand frameworks also afford exceptional control, with conversions in excess of 99% and dispersities under 1.10. Together, these studies significantly expand the scope of catalysts to prepare this biodegradable, non-toxic, water soluble polymer. Additionally, we report efforts to expand the monomer scope for these catalysts, showing that altering ring structure and substitution can strongly inhibit productive ring opening.
Original languageEnglish
JournalGreen Materials
Volume4
Issue number2
Early online date14 Jun 2016
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 14 Jun 2016

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