Ring opening polymerization initiated by methylaluminoxane/AlMe3 complexes

The ROP of cyclic ethers, carbonates and esters in the presence of commercially available methylaluminoxane/trimethylaluminum system has been studied. MALDI-ToF end groups analysis indicates that in a majority of systems considered, the polymerization process is initiated by insertion of a monomer into the Al-O-Al bond, generating alkoxide species, which are active sites in coordination polymerization. The polymerization of six-membered carbonates proceeds selectively, forming linear polydiols with high yields at moderate temperatures. The polymerization of oxiranes and lactones is, however, accompanied by back-biting reactions leading to cyclic oligomers. The interaction of oxirane with aluminoxane electrophilic sites causes also the formation of cationic species, which initiate the polymerization of THF. The cationic species formed in those systems were trapped by triphenylphosphine and identified by 31P NMR spectra.