Zwitterionic Polymerization of Lactide to Cyclic Poly(Lactide) by Using N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysts

Abstract

Closing the loop: The zwitterionic ring-opening polymerization of lactide in the presence of N-heterocyclic carbenes generates well-defined cyclic poly(lactide) (see scheme). The polymerization is rapid and produces macrocyclic polymers with high purity and exceptional control of molecular weight and polydispersity. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z604740_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.