Synthesis and structural studies of copper(II) complex supported by –ONNO– tetradentate ligand: Efficient catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of lactide

Abstract

The –ONNO– tetradentate Schiff base ligand N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)benzene-1,2-diamine (HMBBD) has been synthesized. The ligand was attached to copper (Cu-HMBBD) in methanol under N2 atmosphere to give a mononuclear complex. The reactivity of this complex in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide has been studied. The complex has a square planner geometry, as determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The copper complex is highly active towards the ring-opening polymerization of lactide, and the rate of polymerization is heavily dependent on the initiator used. The copper complex allows controlled ring-opening polymerization, as shown by the linear relationship between the percentage conversion and the number average molecular weight. Based on the literature, a mechanism for the ROP of lactide has been proposed.