Polymerization of l-lactide with SnCl2: A Low Toxic and Eco-friendly Catalyst

Abstract Polymerizations of l -lactide catalyzed either by neat SnCl 2 or + difunctional cocatalysts were conducted in bulk at 180, 160 and 140 °C with variation the Lac/Cat ratio time. With poly(L-lactide) having weight average molecular weights (uncorrected M w ’s) up to 190 000 g mol −1 obtained mainly consisting linear chains. Addition salicylic acid 1,1-bisphenol yielded a higher fraction cyclic polylactides but lower weights. Furthermore, was compared Bu various other metal chlorides best results . ethyl L-lactate as initiator -catalyzed ROPs performed 120 lac/initiator varied. All these experiments under conditions allowing for comparison Sn(II)-2-ethyhexanoate. Such also ε-caprolactone monomer.