Cobalt‐Based Complexes for the Copolymerization of Propylene Oxide and CO₂: Active and Selective Catalysts for Polycarbonate Synthesis

Abstract

CO2 is an ideal feedstock for chemical synthesis; unfortunately its thermodynamic stability is a barrier to widespread use. Active cobalt catalysts for the copolymerization of propylene oxide and CO2 are reported (see scheme; L=N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine), which have excellent regioselectivity for polycarbonate synthesis without concomitant production of cyclic carbonate by-products. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2003/z52605_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.