Catalytic activity of N-heterocyclic carbenes in ring opening polymerization of cyclic siloxanes

Taking advantage of the strong nucleophilic properties of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), the efficient catalytic ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclotetrasiloxane D4 was achieved under mild conditions.

Graphical abstractTaking advantage of the strong nucleophilic properties of NHC 1a, the efficient catalytic (anionic-like) ROP of cyclotetrasiloxane D4 was achieved in mild conditions. Of particular interest, with this NHC/ROH system the molecular weight of the silicone polymers can be regulated simply by varying the quantity of neutral alcohol initiator.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide