Discrete Lanthanide Catalysts for Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis

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This research project explores various aspects of polyactide synthesis. In particular, an array of new yttrium and lanthanide complexes are to be prepared and characterized. These complexes will incorporate macrocyclic ligands with tunable structural elements, and their utility as polymerization catalysts will be investigated with particular attention being paid to gaining an understanding of ligan structural influences on the polymerization mechanisms. Building from this, new stereoselective catalysts will be sought, and copolymerization of lactides will be studied. It is anticipated that this work will underpin efforts to develop catalytic systems that exhibit controlled polymerization kinetics and selectivities in copolymerization.With this Award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program supports the research of Professors William B. Tolman and Marc A. Hillmyer of the University of Minnesota. Professor Tolman and Hillmyer are investigating ways to prepare an environmentally "friendly" plastic known as polyactide. Of particular interest are metal catalysts that bring about the formation of the plastic. Through the combined studies of the metal complexes together with their effect on the polymerization reaction, improved or new types of plastics as well as new ways to form them may be realized.