Co/Mn-based 2D coordination polymers: synthesis, structure and ring opening polymerization

Abstract

The two-dimensional coordination polymers [Co(DMF)2L2]∙0.65H2O and [Mn(DMF)2L2]∙0.4H2O (L = N,N′-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide) have been prepared and structurally characterized by a variety of techniques including FTIR spectroscopy, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Results for their use as catalysts in the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and δ-valerolactone (δ-VL) are reported. High conversions were achievable at 130 °C, resulting in the formation of mostly cyclic polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvalerolactone (PVL), respectively, with only a small number of linear polymers formed. Kinetic studies revealed the presence of two distinct rate steps, the second of which is assigned to the formation of an active decomposition product.