Asymmetric Copolymerization of CO₂ with <i>meso</i>‐Epoxides Mediated by Dinuclear Cobalt(III) Complexes: Unprecedented Enantioselectivity and Activity

Abstract

Unprecedented enantioselectivity and catalytic activity was observed in the asymmetric copolymerization of CO2 with meso-epoxides (including the less reactive cyclopentene oxide) mediated by the dinuclear Co(III) complex (S,S,S,S)-1 under mild conditions. The resultant copolymers possess more than 99 % carbonate linkages and a perfectly isotactic structure.