Sequential polymerization of ethylene oxide, ε-caprolactone and l-lactide: A one-pot metal-free route to tri- and pentablock terpolymers

Abstract

Metal-free polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) catalyzed by a relatively mild phosphazene base (t-BuP2) was proven feasible, which enabled the one-pot sequential polymerization of EO, ε-caprolactone, and l-lactide. Using either 3-phenyl-1-propanol or water as an initiator, the corresponding triblock or pentablock terpolymers were easily prepared. © 2014 the Partner Organisations.