Copolymerization of Epoxides and CO2 by Novel Metallo-oxaporphyrins

• Applicant: Dr. Wei Xia
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2015 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 282529427

The copolymerization of epoxides and CO2 is an ideal reaction to produce biodegradable polycarbonates. Since its initial discovery in 1969, via the development of novel metal catalysts, the activity of this reaction is steadily increasing. Among all catalytic systems, metalloporphyrins have been demonstrated to be highly active and selective towards such a polymerization. Inspired by this result, within this proposal, novel metallo-oxaporphyrins are planned to be synthesized and applied for the coupling of epoxides and CO2, aiming to expand the utility of divalent metal as the active centre for this polymerization. In addition, a covalent tether of a co-catalyst on the periphery of the oxaporphyrin catalyst will be performed for a further improvement of the reaction activities.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: China
• Host: Professor Dr. Xiao-Bing Lu