Dual Organocatalysts Based on Ionic Mixtures of Acids and Bases: A Step Toward High Temperature Polymerizations

Abstract

Organocatalysis provides a powerful alternative in many polymerization reactions and nowadays has become a valuable tool for polymer chemists. The key reason for transitioning to organocatalysts is not only their ability to be effectively removed from resultant products, but also, their potential to exquisitely control the catalytic activity and selectivity of the polymerization processes. While organocatalysis has been largely implemented in research laboratories, its use in industrial bulk polymerization processes is still scarce. This is mostly due to the poor thermal stability of organocatalysts at temperatures (150-250 °C) usually employed for industrial polymerizations. In this Viewpoint, we highlight the recent advances of the use of acid-base ionic mixtures in high temperatures bulk polymerization reactions. First, we will focus on the synthesis, characterization, difunctional catalytic properties, and thermal stability of these acid-base mixtures. Afterward, we will emphasize the recent literature describing their use in chain growth and step-growth polymerizations. Moreover, the highlight will also draw attention to recent efforts in the use of these acid-base mixtures in polymer recycling by means of depolymerization.