Monomer Controlled Switchable Copolymerization: A Feasible Route for the Functionalization of Poly(lactide)

Switchable polymerization is an attractive strategy to enable the sequential selectivity of multi-block polyesters. Besides, these well-defined multi-block polyesters could enable further modification for wider applications. Herein, based on the reversible insertion of CO2 by Salen-Mn-III, a new monomer controlled self-switchable polymerization route was developed. Chemoselective ring opening copolymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides (OCAs) and lactide (LA) was explored without cocatalyst. The sequential conversion of OCAs and LA into the polymer chain could form multi-block polyesters. Based on this strategy, a series of multi-block polyesters with different pendant groups were synthesized. Furthermore, by modifying the propargyl-containing copolymers with quaternary ammonium groups, we have realized antibacterial functionalization of PLA. These results imply the potential application of this strategy for the fabrication of functional polymers for biomedical applications.

Automated summary

A new polymerization route based on reversible CO2 insertion and chemoselective ring opening copolymerization has been developed, allowing for the preparation of multi-block polyesters and potential wider applications.