Organometallic complexes of new pincer ligands: Structure, reactivity and catalysis

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Research in the Hayes group focuses on the preparation and study of unusual and unique molecules for application in new chemical transformations and catalysis. Specifically, one portion of my research program is concentrated upon preparing new catalyst systems for the polymerization of lactones. The impetus for this work stems from the fact that polylactones, especially, polylactide, PLA, and polycaprolactone, PCL, exhibit similar bulk properties as polyethylene and polypropylene, but are biodegradable and biologically compatible. In addition, the synthetic precursors to PLA can be found in inexpensive renewable resources, such as beets and corn. Despite these benefits, current technologies offer very little control over key features of the polymer. We have developed a strategy based upon the synthesis of cationic magnesium and zinc species, which, due to their positive charge and vacant coordination site are highly active lactone polymerization catalysts.