Controlled copolymerization by metal complexes [2] Alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide catalyzed by a novel binuclear zinc complex

The alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide that produces a polycarbonate is interesting. There are many Zn complexes in the catalysts so far reported for the alternating copolymerization of CO2 and epoxide. In the present study, we wish to report that the Zn complex 1 having Zn-O-Zn structure was synthesized and used for the polymerization of CO2 and epoxide. Complex 1 (60mg, 0.1mmol), tetrahydrofuran(2.5ml), and cycrohexene oxide(2.5ml, 25mmol) were placed in a 150ml autoclave(under N2). The vessel was pressurized to 50atm by CO2, and the mixture was stired at 80°C. After 72h, a copolymer with a Mn of 3800(carbonate lineage >99%) was obtained.