A guide to modern methods for poly(thio)ether synthesis using Earth-abundant metals

Abstract

Polyethers and polythioethers are often made through the polymerization of epoxides and thiiranes, respectively, using Earth-abundant metal compounds. Control over polymer properties is dictated by the method used to synthesize them, which are outlined in this article.

Synthesis of Mono- and Dinuclear Aluminum Complexes Bearing Aromatic Amino-Phenolato Ligands: A Comparative Study in the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclohexene Oxide

“…Polyethers are a type of polymeric materials with tunable properties, which have been widely used as intermediates in the manufacture of polyurethane, antifouling coating material, electrolytes, and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products . Metal-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of epoxides is a most efficient method for preparing polyethers . To date, a series of metal complexes, including Al, Zn, Mn, Co, Cr, group IV, Fe, and rare-earth complexes, have been reported to be efficient initiators for the ROP of epoxides.…”