Alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide - Recent advances

The alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide to give aliphatic polycarbonate has attracted attention of many chemists, as it is one of the most promising methodologies for the utilization of carbon dioxide as a safe, clean, and abundant raw material in synthetic chemistry. Recent developments of metal catalysts for the alternating copolymerization are based on the rational design of metal complexes, especially those of transition metals with well-defined structures. In this review, the history and recent examples of efficient catalysts for the alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide are described.