Rare Earth Metal‐Containing Ionic Liquid Catalysts for Synthesis of Epoxide/Cyclic Anhydride Copolymers

The Front Cover (designed by Rika Mizoguchi) shows a Metal Ionic Liquid fertilizer catalyzing the growth of perfectly alternating copolymers various epoxides and cyclic anhydrides, represented as growing vines. In their Research Article, M. E. Fieser co-workers explore combination rare earth metal trichloride salts with phosphonium chloride ionic liquid to form metal-containing liquids. These liquids (MIL) were catalytically active for copolymerization six different monomer pairs, suppression side reactions. How MIL was formed and/or dried found be more important polymerization rate presence chain transfer reactions than ion choice. MILs exhibited improved rates faster high molecular weight polymers previous simple salt catalysts systems. More information can in Article co-workers.