Double metal cyanide catalysts bearing lactate esters as eco-friendly complexing agents for the synthesis of highly pure polyols

Abstract

A green way of synthesizing double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the ring opening polymerization of propylene oxide has been developed by using environmentally friendly and nontoxic lactate esters as complexing agents (CAs). The total amount of CA consumed in the catalyst preparation procedure can also be greatly reduced by combining with co-complexing agents bearing polyether backbones. The DMC catalysts produce highly pure polymers in high activity, enough to avoid labor, energy, and time-consuming catalyst removal procedures.