Recent developments in the ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone and derivatives initiated by tin(IV) alkoxides

The macromolecular engineering of aliphatic polyesters by Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) initiated by aluminum alkoxides is now well established. Tin (IV) alkoxides are less popular, mainly because of a poorer control of the chain growth. This paper discusses some recent examples from CERM, showing that tin (IV) alkoxides can advantageously replace the aluminum counterparts as ROP initiators. For instance, they can initiate successfully the Ring-Opening Polymerization of α-chloro-ε-caprolactone and dioxepane-2-one. They are also very promising initiators for ROP in supercritical CO2 and for the synthesis of clay/aliphatic polyester nanocomposites.