Stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of racemic lactide using alkoxy-amino-bis(phenolate) group 3 metal complexes

Polymerization of racemic lactide initated by alkyl- and amidoyttrium complexes of a non-chiral tetradentate alkoxy-aminobis(phenolate) ligand proceeds rapidly, in a controlled manner, to give heterotactic-rich polylactic acid.