Synthesis and characterization of bisphenol sodium complexes: An efficient catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide

Two sodium complexes, [(μ3-MDBP)Na2(THF)2]2[(μ3-OCH2CH2OCH3)Na]2 (1) and [(μ1-MDBP)Na(μ2-H2O)(THF)]2(THF)2 (2) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Experimental results show that complex 1 initiates efficiently the ring opening polymerization of l-lactide in a controlled fashion, yielding polymers with narrow polydispersity indexes in a wide range of monomer-to-initiator ratios.

Graphical abstractTwo new sodium complexes, [(μ3-MDBP)Na2(THF)2]2[(μ3-OCH2CH2OCH3)Na]2 (1) and [(μ1-MDBPH)Na(μ2-H2O)(THF)]2(THF)2 (2) were synthesized by reaction of sodium or sodium hydroxide with the bisphenol ligand of 6,6′-methylenebis(2,4-ditert-butylphenol) (MDBP-H2). And experimental results show that complex 1 is an excellent initiator for the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Two binuclear and hexanuclear sodium complexes of bisphenol have been synthesized. ▶ The catalytic activities of complex 1 for ROP of lactides have been investigated. ▶ The positive experimental results showed that complex 1 was an excellent catalyst.