Steric vs. electronic stereocontrol in syndio- or iso-selective ROP of functional chiral beta-lactones mediated by achiral yttrium-bisphenolate complexes

Origins of stereoselectivity in ROP of racemic chiral cyclic esters promoted by achiral yttrium complexes, resulting in the formation of highly heterotactic polylactide, and highly syndiotactic or, more uniquely, highly isotactic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)s, are discussed. A close interplay between the nature of the cyclic ester, most particularly of the exocyclic functional chain installed on the chiral center of beta-lactones, and the ortho-substituents installed on the phenolate rings of the ligand, results in various determining secondary interactions of steric and also electronic nature.