End of Frustration: Catalytic Precision Polymerization with Highly Interacting Lewis Pairs

Maximilian G.M. Knaus, Marco M. Giuman, Alexander Pöthig, Bernhard Rieger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

104 Scopus citations

Abstract

Herein we report on the catalytic polymerization of diverse Michael-type monomers with high precision by using simple but highly active combinations of phosphorus-containing Lewis bases and organoaluminum compounds. The interacting Lewis pair catalysts enable the control of molecular weight and microstructure of the produced polymers. The reactions show a linear Mn vs consumption plot thus proving a living type polymerization. The initiation has been investigated by end-group analysis with ESI mass spectrometric analysis. With these main-group element Lewis acid base pairs, it is not only possible to polymerize sterically demanding, functionalized as well as heteroatom containing monomers but also, for the first time, to catalytically polymerize extended Michael systems, like 4-vinylpyridine.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7776-7781
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume138
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Jun 2016

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