Polymerization of cyclic esters in the presence of hydroxyl-containing polymers in DMSO/TBAF

Abstract

The polymerization of cyclic esters such as ε-caprolactone (CL), L-lactide (LA) and β-butyrolactone (BL) was investigated in the presence of hydroxyl-containing polymers in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) / tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF). Although CL and LA did not polymerize in DMSO/TBAF solution in the absence of hydroxyl polymers, BL polymerized at a conversion of less than 10%. The conversion of these compounds increased with an increase in TBAF concentration in the presence of hydroxyl polymers. The concentration of hydroxyl groups in the polymer also affected the polymerizability of cyclic esters. A few properties, such as hot-press molding and enzymatic degradability, of the products were investigated. The importance of existence of hydroxyl group on the polymerization of cyclic esters in DMSO/TBAF solution was revealed.