High molecular weight poly(lactic acid) produced by an efficient iron catalyst bearing a bis(amidinato)-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand

The polymerization of (rac)-lactide was promoted by a novel bis(amidinato)-N-heterocyclic carbene iron complex. Through the use of mechanistic studies, high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) was achievable (>350 kg/mol) with low catalyst loadings (0.02 mol%) in a short period of time (85% in 8 h).119