Ring-opening copolymerization of epsilon-caprolactone and delta-valerolactone by a titanium-based metal-organic framework

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are not much investigated as catalysts in copolymer formation with cyclic esters. Herein, we report the ring-opening copolymerization of epsilon-caprolactone (CL) with delta-valerolactone (VL) using a recoverable and reusable Ti-metal based MOF, MIL-125 without any co-catalyst in a solvent-free medium. The synthesized copolymers are random in nature, exhibit lower crystallinity than those of the corresponding homo-polymers, and are totally free from metal contamination, which was established by a series of appropriate experiments and characterization techniques.

Automated summary

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been investigated as catalysts in copolymer formation with cyclic esters. In this study, a recoverable and reusable Ti-metal based MOF, MIL-125, was used for the ring-opening copolymerization of epsilon-caprolactone (CL) with delta-valerolactone (VL) in a solvent-free medium. The synthesized copolymers are random in nature, exhibit lower crystallinity than those of the corresponding homo-polymers, and are totally free from metal contamination.