N-Heterocyclic Olefins with Applications to ROP

Key words

N-heterocyclic olefins - N-heterocyclic carbenes - N-aziridinylimines - ring-opening polymerization

Significance

N-Heterocyclic olefins (NHO), also known as ene-1,1-diamines, are promising initiators and catalysts in ring-opening polymerizations (ROP) for producing biodegradable materials. However, difficulties with their preparation and isolation have limited their applications. Here, a convenient synthetic method is developed for NHOs from N-heterocarbenes and N-aziridinylimines.

Comment

A series of NHOs with diverse structures are prepared via a simple modular approach, which circumvents over-alkylation and in most cases complex purification procedures. The application as a Bronsted base initiator in ROP of β-butyrolactone is also demonstrated.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 March 2024