Synlett 2022; 33(01): 8-15
DOI: 10.1055/a-1679-7959
synpacts

Recent Progress in Synthesizing Polyethers by Use of Organocatalysts

,
Guan-Wen Yang
,
Guang-Peng Wu
This work was supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (R21B040004) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51973186 and 91956123).


Abstract

Aliphatic polyethers are one of the most widely used polymers, whose synthesis is largely dependent on metallic compounds. Recent development of organocatalysts may break the limits of this long-standing field and infuse vitality into polyether production. In this Synpacts article, the recent advances of organocatalysts for polyether production is introduced in aspects of catalytic performance and mechanism. Moreover, attentions are paid to the latest contributions of bifunctional organoboron catalysts which can be prepared with high yields from cost-effective raw materials in two facile reactions and show excellent performance in the polyether production with remarkable catalytic efficiency, controllability on molecular weight, and explicit polymerization mechanism. Based on these advances, it is envisioned that new discoveries using organocatalysts will continue in the foreseeable future.

1 Introduction

2 Challenges in Metallic Catalysts

3 Previous Advances in Organocatalysts

4 Recent Contributions of Bifunctional Organoboron Catalysts

5 Conclusion



Publication History

Received: 18 October 2021

Accepted after revision: 27 October 2021

Accepted Manuscript online:
27 October 2021

Article published online:
22 November 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany