Cationic zinc complexes: a new class of catalyst for living lactidepolymerization at ambient temperature

Abstract

Cationic zinc complexes of a bis(phosphinimine) pincer ligand have been prepared. Methylzinc and zinc–lactate complexes have been structurally characterized, and the latter is the first cationic metal complex to promote coordination–insertion polymerization of lactide at ambient temperature. This novel catalyst system is remarkably active and also exhibits living character. A detailed investigation of the kinetics and mechanism of the polymerization process has been undertaken.