Controlling polymer stereochemistry in ring-opening polymerization: a decade of advances shaping the future of biodegradable polyesters

This review highlights recent developments in the field of biodegradable polymeric materials intended to replace non-degradable conventional plastics, focusing on studies from the last ten years involving the stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters. This encompasses exciting advances in both catalyst design and monomer scope. Notably, the last decade has seen the emergence of metal-free stereocontrolled ROP for instance, as well as the synthesis and stereocontrolled polymerization of new types of chiral monomers. This study will emphasize recent stereoselective polymerization catalysts and chiral monomers and will focus on stereocontrol quantification, the mechanisms of stereocontrol and their differentiation if reported and studied for a specific catalyst system.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the recent developments in biodegradable polymeric materials over the past decade, with a focus on the stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters and the emergence of metal-free stereocontrolled ROP technology. The study emphasizes the synthesis of new stereoselective polymerization catalysts and chiral monomers, while also highlighting the quantification and mechanisms of stereocontrol.