New Approaches to the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Renewable Resource Cyclic Esters

这项研究的重点是双重的。首先，我们将制备含有两种金属离子(锌和/或二氧化碳)与双核配体结合的新型环酯聚合催化剂，并将其用于催化丙交酯(LA)转化为聚乳酸(LA)。其次，将通过合成一类新型的乳酸和环醚组成的交替共聚物来操纵聚乳酸的物理性质。将研究新聚合物的物理性能以及新聚合物与聚乳酸的共混，目的是开发用于结晶聚乳酸增韧的大分子增塑剂。通过这一奖项，有机和高分子化学计划支持明尼苏达大学双子城分校化学系的William B.Tolman博士和Marc A.Hillmyer博士的研究。首席研究人员将把他们的工作重点放在开发高效、可控和通用的方法，以合成从可再生资源中提取的聚合物。为此，乳酸的环状二聚体(LA)将被用作脂肪族聚乳酸(PLA)的前驱体。将进行用于转化和操纵聚乳酸物理性质的离散催化剂的设计。该项目对环境有更广泛的影响，是培训学生的绝佳领域。

The foci of this research are twofold. First, new cyclic ester polymerization catalysts that contain two metal ions (Zn2 and/or Co2) bound to binucleating ligands will be prepared and used to catalyze the transformation of lactide (LA) into polylactide (PLA). Second, the physical properties of PLA will be manipulated by the synthesis of a new class of alternating copolymers of lactic acid and a cyclic ether component. The physical properties of the new polymers and blends of the new polymers with PLA will be examined with the goal of developing macromolecular plasticizing agents useful for the toughening of crystalline PLA.With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Drs. William B. Tolman and Marc A. Hillmyer of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The Principal Investigators will focus their work on the development of efficient, controlled and versatile methods for the synthesis of polymers derived from renewable resources. To this end, the cyclic dimer of lactic acid (LA) will be used as precursor to the aliphatic polyester polylactide (PLA). The design of discrete catalysts for the conversion and manipulation of the physical properties of PLA will be carried out. The project has broader impacts for the environment and as an excellent area for the training of students.