The use of Cu and Zn salicylaldimine complexes as catalyst precursors in ring opening polymerization of lactides: ligand effects on polymer characteristics
A range of monomeric tetra-coordinate copper (II) and zinc (II) complexes based on N,O-bidentate salicylaldimine Schiff base ligands has been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. These complexes were then evaluated as initiators in ring-opening polymerization of lactides at both 70 degrees C and 110 degrees C. The effect of structural changes in the complexes on th