Design and structure of catalysts: syntheses of carbon dioxide-based copolymers with cyclic anhydrides and/or cyclic esters

Abstract

CO2-based poly(ester-co-carbonate)s synthesized through the copolymerization of epoxides and CO2 with cyclic anhydrides and/or cyclic esters have continuously received attention due to their tunable degradability and adjustable thermal and mechanical properties. A variety of catalysts have been developed for this methodology, including zinc, cobalt, and chromium complexes, which can provide well-defined polymers. In this review, we provide a thorough account of the catalysts used in the copolymerization of epoxides and CO2 with cyclic anhydrides and/or cyclic esters. The development direction and future perspectives of catalyst design are also discussed. A variety of catalysts including zinc, cobalt and chromium complexes were reviewed for the copolymerization of epoxides and CO2 with cyclic anhydrides and/or cyclic esters to synthesize CO2-based poly(ester-co-carbonate)s. The structure and structure-performance relationship of the as-prepared copolymers were discussed in detailed.