U.S. patent application number 16/723333 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-07 for catalysts.
The applicant listed for this patent is Econic Technologies Ltd.. Invention is credited to Louis Adriaenssens, Andy Chapman, Anthony Chartoire, Michael Kember, James Leeland.
Application Number | 20200140610 16/723333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53776894 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200140610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chapman; Andy ; et
al. |
May 7, 2020 |
CATALYSTS
Abstract
Polymerisation catalysts and systems comprising said catalysts
for polymerising carbon dioxide and an epoxide, a lactide and/or
lactone, and/or an epoxide and an anhydride. The catalyst is of
formula (I): ##STR00001## Wherein M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Zn(II), Cr(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II),
Ni(II), Mg(II), Fe(II), Ti(II), V(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(III)-X,
Ni(III)-X, Mn(III)-X, Fe(III)-X, Ca(II), Ge(II), AI(III)-X,
Ti(III)-X, V(III)-X, Ge(IV)-(X).sub.2 or Ti(IV)-(X).sub.2. R.sub.3A
is different from R.sub.3B; and/or at least one occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining
occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6. A ligand, a
process of asymmetric N-substitution of a symmetrical ligand and a
process for the reaction of: (i) carbon dioxide with an epoxide;
(ii) an epoxide and an anhydride; and/or (iii) a lactide and/or a
lactone, in the presence of a catalyst is also described.
Inventors: |
Chapman; Andy; (London,
GB) ; Chartoire; Anthony; (London, GB) ;
Leeland; James; (Hertfordshire, GB) ; Kember;
Michael; (London, GB) ; Adriaenssens; Louis;
(London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Econic Technologies Ltd. |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
53776894 |
Appl. No.: |
16/723333 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15327806 |
Jan 20, 2017 |
10556988 |
|
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PCT/GB2015/052114 |
Jul 22, 2015 |
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16723333 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08G 63/823 20130101;
B01J 2531/0252 20130101; B01J 2531/16 20130101; B01J 31/1835
20130101; B01J 2531/62 20130101; B01J 2531/72 20130101; C07D 285/00
20130101; B01J 31/226 20130101; B01J 2531/22 20130101; C07D 257/02
20130101; C07D 487/08 20130101; B01J 31/2239 20130101; B01J 2531/23
20130101; B01J 2531/46 20130101; B01J 2531/842 20130101; C08G 64/34
20130101; B01J 2531/0216 20130101; B01J 2531/845 20130101; B01J
2531/26 20130101; B01J 2531/56 20130101; B01J 31/2243 20130101;
B01J 2531/847 20130101; B01J 2531/31 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C08G 64/34 20060101
C08G064/34; C07D 487/08 20060101 C07D487/08; C07D 285/00 20060101
C07D285/00; C07D 257/02 20060101 C07D257/02; C08G 63/82 20060101
C08G063/82; B01J 31/22 20060101 B01J031/22; B01J 31/18 20060101
B01J031/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 22, 2014 |
GB |
1412986.0 |
Jul 22, 2014 |
GB |
1412990.2 |
Jul 22, 2014 |
GB |
1412992.8 |
Claims
1. A catalyst of formula (I): ##STR00053## wherein: M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are independently selected from Zn(II), Cr(II), Co(II),
Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Mg(II), Fe(II), Ti(II), V(II), Cr(III)-X,
Co(III)-X, Ni(III)-X, Mn(III)-X, Fe(III)-X, Ca(II), Ge(II),
AI(III)-X, Ti(III)-X, V(III)-X, Ge(IV)-(X).sub.2 or
Ti(IV)-(X).sub.2; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected
from hydrogen, halide, a nitro group, a nitrile group, an imine, an
amine, an ether group, a silyl group, a silyl ether group, a
sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinate group or an
acetylide group or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio,
arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are independently selected from optionally substituted alkylene,
alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene,
heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or cycloalkylene, wherein
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene
and heteroalkynylene, may optionally be interrupted by aryl,
heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently
selected from H, or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; E.sub.1 is C, E.sub.2 is O, S or NH
or E.sub.1 is N and E.sub.2 is O; E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 are each independently selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S,
wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is
, and wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are
NR.sub.4, O or S, is ; R.sub.4 is independently selected from H, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; X
is independently selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OSO.sub.2R.sup.x,
OSOR.sup.x, OSO(R.sup.x).sub.2, S(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, phosphinate,
halide, nitrate, hydroxyl, carbonate, amino, amido or optionally
substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic,
aryl or heteroaryl; R.sub.x is independently hydrogen, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, haloaliphatic, heteroaliphatic,
alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, alkylaryl or heteroaryl; and G is
absent or independently selected from a neutral or anionic donor
ligand which is a Lewis base; and wherein: i) R.sub.3A is different
from R.sub.3B; and/or ii) At least one occurrence of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
2. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3A is different from
R.sub.3B, and each occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 is the same.
3. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3A is the same as
R.sub.3B and at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and Ee.
4. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3A is different from
R.sub.36 and at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
5. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are the
same, and E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 are the same, and wherein E.sub.3 and
E.sub.5 are different from E.sub.4 and E.sub.6.
6. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 are the
same, and E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are the same, and wherein E.sub.3 and
E.sub.4 are different from E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
7. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B is
selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or
unsubstituted cycloalkylene or optionally substituted arylene.
8. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3A is different from
R.sub.3B, R.sub.3A is substituted or unsubstituted alkylene.
9. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3A is different from
R.sub.3B and wherein R.sub.3A is 2,2-dimethylpropylene and R.sub.3B
is phenylene, or R.sub.3A is a disubstituted cycloalkylene which
acts as a bridging group between two nitrogen centers in the
catalyst of formula (I) and R.sub.3B is 2,2-dimethylpropylene, or
R.sub.3A is 2,2-dimethylpropylene and R.sub.3B is propylene or
ethylene, or R.sub.3A is propylene, and R.sub.38 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene.
10. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein each E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4, and one of the R.sub.4 groups is
different.
11. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein each ES, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4, and two of the R.sub.4 groups are
different.
12. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4, and two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are N.
13. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are S, and two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4.
14. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein each occurrence of R.sub.2 and
R.sub.5 are H, E.sub.1 is C and E.sub.2 is O, S or NH.
15. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein M.sub.1 or M.sub.2 is selected
from Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X, Co(II), Co(III)-X and Zn(II).
16. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein M.sub.1 or M.sub.2 is selected
from Ni(II) or Mg(II).
17. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the
same.
18. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the
same and are Ni(II) or Mg(III).
19. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the
same and are Ni(II), and each E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6
is NR.sub.4, wherein at least one of the R.sub.4 groups is
different from a remaining occurrence of R.sub.4 and is selected
from an optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl.
20. The catalyst according to claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is
independently selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, and optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy or alkylthio.
21. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein each occurrence of R.sub.1 is
the same.
22. The catalyst according to claim 1, wherein X is independently
OC(O)R.sup.x, OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, OS(O)R.sup.x, OSO(R.sup.x).sub.2,
S(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide, nitrate, hydroxyl, carbonate, amino,
nitro, amido, and optionally substituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl
or heteroaryl.
23. The catalyst according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.x is
independently optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl.
24. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1
are the same, and are selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an
optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,
aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are the same or different, and are selected from substituted or
unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene
and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 are
the same or different and are selected from NR.sub.4, S, N or O;
R.sub.4 is hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl or
heteroalkyl; each X is the same, and is selected from OC(O)R.sup.x,
OR.sup.x, halide, carbonate, amino, nitro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,
phosphinate or OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each G, where
present, is independently selected from halide; water; a heteroaryl
optionally substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen,
hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently
selected from Mg(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X, Cr(II), Cr(III)-X,
Co(II), Co(III)-X Mn(II), Fe(II), and Fe(II)-X.
25. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1
are the same, and are selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an
optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,
aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A is a
substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene or alkylene and R.sub.3B
is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, or arylene; each
occurrence of E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is hydrogen;
each X is the same, and is selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x,
halide, carbonate, amino, nitro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,
phosphinate or OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each G, where
present, is independently selected from halide; water; a heteroaryl
optionally substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen,
hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently
selected from Mg(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Ni(II)-X, Cr(II), Cr(III)-X,
Co(II), Co(III)-X, Mn(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III)-X.
26. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1
are the same, and are selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an
optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,
aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are the same and are substituted or unsubstituted alkylene; each of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4 wherein one of
the R.sub.4 groups is different and selected from an optionally
substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl and the remaining R.sub.4 groups
are hydrogen; each X is the same, and is selected from
OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide, carbonate, amino, nitro, alkyl,
aryl, heteroaryl, phosphinate or OSO.sub.2R, R.sup.x is alkyl,
alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each
G, where present, is independently selected from halide; water; a
heteroaryl optionally substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile; M1 and M2 are
independently selected from Mg(II), Zn(II), Cr(II), Cr(III)-X,
Co(II), Co(III)-X, Mn(II), Ni(II), Ni(II)-X, Fe(III), and
Fe(III)-X.
27. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1
are the same, and are selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an
optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,
aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkylene,
substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene and substituted or
unsubstituted arylene; E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 are selected from N,
NR.sub.4, S or O; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen, or optionally
substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; each X is the same, and is
selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, or OSO.sub.2R, R.sup.x is
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or
alkylaryl; each G, where present, is independently selected from
halide; water; a heteroaryl optionally substituted by alkyl,
alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile;
M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from Mg(II), Zn(II),
Cr(III), Cr(III)-X, Co(II), Co(III)-X, Mn(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X,
Fe(II), and Fe(III)-X, ) and wherein: (i) R.sub.3A is different
from R.sub.3B; and/or (ii) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
28. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1
are the same, and are selected from an optionally substituted
alkyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are selected from
substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted
cycloalkylene, and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; each
occurrence of E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected
from hydrogen, or optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; each
X is the same, and is selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, or
OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl,
aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Mg(II), Ni(III), Ni(III)-X Co(II),
Co(III)-X and Zn(II), and wherein: (i) R.sub.3A is different from
R.sub.3B; and/or (ii) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
29. The catalyst of claim 1, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1
are the same, and are tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A
and R.sub.3B are selected from tertiary butylene, benzylene,
ethylene, propylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene; each occurrence of
E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen,
methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, or -alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19; each X is
the same, and is OAc; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently
selected from Mg(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Co(III)-X, Ni(III)-X and
Zn(II), and wherein: iii) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B;
and/or iv) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
30. The catalyst of claim 1, of the formula: ##STR00054##
##STR00055## ##STR00056## ##STR00057## ##STR00058##
31. The catalyst of claim 1 of the formula: ##STR00059##
##STR00060##
32. A ligand of formula (II): ##STR00061## wherein: R.sub.1 and
R.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, halide, a nitro
group, a nitrile group, an imine, an amine, an ether group, a silyl
group, a silyl ether group, a sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a
sulfinate group or an acetylide group or an optionally substituted
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,
aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group;
R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are independently selected from optionally
substituted alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene,
heteroalkenylene, heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or
cycloalkylene, wherein alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene,
heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene and heteroalkynylene, may
optionally be interrupted by aryl, heteroaryl, alicyclic or
heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently selected from H, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl;
E.sub.1 is C, E.sub.2 is OY, S or NH or E.sub.1 is N and E.sub.2 is
OY; Y is hydrogen or an alkali metal; E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 are each independently selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S,
wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is
, and wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are
NR.sub.4, O or S, is ; R.sub.4 is independently selected from H, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl;
and wherein: (i) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or (ii)
at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6.
33. The ligand of claim 32, wherein both occurrences of R, are the
same, and are selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an
optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,
aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkylene,
substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene and substituted or
unsubstituted arylene; E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 are N, NR.sub.4, S or O;
R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen, or optionally substituted alkyl
or heteroalkyl; and wherein: i) R.sub.3A is different from
R.sub.3B; and/or ii) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
34. The ligand of claim 32 wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1 are
the same, and are selected from an optionally substituted alkyl;
R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3, are selected from
substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted
cycloalkylene, and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; each
occurrence of E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected
from hydrogen, or optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; and
wherein: iii) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or iv) at
least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6.
35. The ligand of claim 32, wherein both occurrences of R.sub.1 are
the same, and are tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and
R.sub.3, are selected from butylene, benzylene, ethylene,
propylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene; each occurrence of E.sub.3 to
E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl,
ethyl, propyl, butyl, or -alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19; and wherein: i)
R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or ii) at least one
occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to
a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6.
36. The ligand of claim 32 of the formula: ##STR00062## wherein:
R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl, or butyl; or: ##STR00063## ##STR00064## wherein: R.sub.3 is
selected from 2,2-dimethylpropylene, propylene, or ethylene; or:
##STR00065## wherein: R is methyl or hydrogen; or: ##STR00066##
wherein: R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or
butyl.
37. The ligand of claim 32, wherein the ligand comprises at least
one N-substituent, and is selected from: ##STR00067## wherein:
R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl, or butyl; or ##STR00068## wherein R.sub.1 is tertiary
butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is 2,2-dimethylpropylene; and
R.sub.4 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.
38. A process of asymmetric N-substitution of a symmetrical ligand
having a tetraaminophenol coordination sphere, the process
comprising the following steps: c) Protecting at least two of the
amino groups of the coordination sphere of the symmetrical ligand
with an optionally substituted alkylene; d) asymmetrically
N-substituting one or more of the protected amino groups of the
product of step (a) with a substituent.
39. The process according to claim 39, wherein step (a) comprises
reacting the symmetrical ligand with a protecting reagent
comprising an optionally substituted alkylene group.
40. The process according to claim 39, wherein step (a) comprises
protecting the amino groups of the coordination sphere of the
symmetrical ligand by forming bridging groups between the adjacent
amino groups or amino and phenolic groups.
41. The process according to claim 39, wherein step (b) comprises
asymmetrically N-substituting one or more of the protected amino
groups of the product of step (a) with an N-substituting agent.
42. The process according to claim 42, wherein the N-substituting
agent is an alkylating agent or an alkene.
43. The process according to claim 39, wherein the process further
comprises step (c) hydrolysing the optionally substituted alkylene
bridging groups between the adjacent amino groups.
44. The process according to claim 39, wherein the asymmetrical
ligand is formula (II): ##STR00069## wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2
are independently selected from hydrogen, halide, a nitro group, a
nitrile group, an imine, an amine, an ether group, a silyl group, a
silyl ether group, a sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinate
group or an acetylide group or an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,
alkylthio, arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group; R.sub.3A
and R.sub.3B are independently selected from optionally substituted
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene,
heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or cycloalkylene, wherein
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene
and heteroalkynylene, may optionally be interrupted by aryl,
heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently
selected from H, or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; E.sub.1 is C, E.sub.2 is OY, S or NH
or E.sub.1 is N and E.sub.2 is OY; Y is hydrogen or an alkali
metal; E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are each independently
selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S, wherein when any of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is , and wherein when any of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4, O or S, is ;
R.sub.4 is independently selected from H, or optionally substituted
aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl,
heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; and wherein: (i) R.sub.3A
is different from R.sub.3B; and/or (ii) at least one occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining
occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6, and wherein
the ligand comprises at least one N-substituent, and is selected
from: ##STR00070## wherein: R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3 is 2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is selected
from methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl; or ##STR00071## wherein
R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or
butyl.
46. A process for the reaction of: (i) carbon dioxide with an
epoxide; (ii) an epoxide and an anhydride; and/or (iii) a lactide
and/or a lactone, in the presence of the catalyst of claim 1,
optionally wherein the process is carried out in the presence of a
chain transfer agent.
47. The process of claim 46, wherein the process is carried out in
a continuous flow reactor, or a batch reactor.
48. The process of claim 47, wherein the reaction is carried out in
a continuous flow reactor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of polymerisation
catalysts, and systems comprising said catalysts for polymerising
carbon dioxide and an epoxide, a lactide and/or lactone, and/or an
epoxide and an anhydride.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Environmental and economic concerns associated with
depleting oil resources have triggered a growing interest in the
chemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), so as to enable
its use as a renewable carbon source. CO.sub.2 is, despite its low
reactivity, a highly attractive carbon feedstock, as it is
inexpensive, virtually non-toxic, abundantly available in high
purity and non-hazardous. Therefore, CO.sub.2 could be a promising
substitute for substances such as carbon monoxide, phosgene or
other petrochemical feedstocks in many processes. One of the
developing applications of CO.sub.2 is the copolymerization with
epoxides to yield aliphatic polycarbonates. The development of
effective catalysts to make such a process profitable is the
subject of continuous research.
[0003] In WO2009/130470, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety, the copolymerisation of an
epoxide with CO.sub.2 using a catalyst of a class represented by
formula (I) was described:
##STR00002##
[0004] WO2013/034750, the contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety, discloses the copolymerisation of
an epoxide with CO.sub.2 in the presence of a chain transfer agent
using a catalyst of a class represented by formula (I):
##STR00003##
[0005] Various compounds according to formula (I) above were tested
for their ability to catalyse the reaction between different
epoxides and carbon dioxide.
[0006] In each of these tested catalysts, both occurrences of
R.sub.3 were the same and all occurrence of R.sub.4 were the same
(referred to hereinafter as symmetric catalysts).
[0007] Among the epoxides employed in the copolymerization
reactions of the prior art, cyclohexene oxide (CHO) received
special interest, as the product, poly(cyclohexene carbonate)
(PCHC) shows a high glass transition temperature and reasonable
tensile strength. Ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene
oxide have also received interest as they produce polymers
(polyalkylene carbonates, such as PPC) with elastomeric properties
which are useful in many applications e.g. films.
[0008] The inventors have now surprisingly found that the
asymmetric catalysts referred to herein represent a novel and
inventive means of catalysing the polymerisation of carbon dioxide
with various monomers to produce useful polymer products with good
activity and selectivity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a catalyst of formula (I):
##STR00004##
wherein: M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from
Zn(II), Cr(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Mg(II), Fe(II),
Ti(II), V(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(III)-X, Ni(III)-X, Mn(III)-X,
Fe(III)-X, Ca(II), Ge(II), AI(III)-X, Ti(III)-X, V(III)-X,
Ge(IV)-(X).sub.2 or Ti(IV)-(X).sub.2; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are
independently selected from hydrogen, halide, a nitro group, a
nitrile group, an imine, an amine, an ether group, a silyl group, a
silyl ether group, a sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinate
group or an acetylide group or an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,
alkylthio, arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group; R.sub.3A
and R.sub.3B are independently selected from optionally substituted
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene,
heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or cycloalkylene, wherein
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene
and heteroalkynylene, may optionally be interrupted by aryl,
heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently
selected from H, or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; E.sub.1 is C, E.sub.2 is O, S or NH
or E, is N and E.sub.2 is O; E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6
are each independently selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S, wherein
when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is , and
wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are
NR.sub.4, O or S, is ; R.sub.4 is independently selected from H, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; X
is independently selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OSO.sub.2R.sup.x,
OSOR.sup.x, OSO(R.sup.x).sub.2, S(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, phosphinate,
halide, nitrate, hydroxyl, carbonate, amino, amido or optionally
substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic,
aryl or heteroaryl; R.sub.x is independently hydrogen, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, haloaliphatic, heteroaliphatic,
alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, alkylaryl or heteroaryl; and G is
absent or independently selected from a neutral or anionic donor
ligand which is a Lewis base; and wherein: [0010] i) R.sub.3A is
different from R.sub.3B; and/or [0011] ii) at least one occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a
remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a ligand of formula (II):
##STR00005##
wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from
hydrogen, halide, a nitro group, a nitrile group, an imine, an
amine, an ether group, a silyl group, a silyl ether group, a
sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinate group or an
acetylide group or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio,
arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are independently selected from optionally substituted alkylene,
alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene,
heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or cycloalkylene, wherein
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene
and heteroalkynylene, may optionally be interrupted by aryl,
heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently
selected from H, or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; E.sub.1 is C, E.sub.2 is OY, S or NH
or E, is N and E.sub.2 is O; Y is hydrogen or an alkali metal;
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are each independently
selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S, wherein when any of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is , and wherein when any of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4, O or S, is ;
R.sub.4 is independently selected from H, or optionally substituted
aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl,
heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; [0013] and wherein:
[0014] i) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or [0015] ii) at
least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6.
[0016] In a third aspect of the present invention, the invention
extends to methods of preparation of ligands, complexes and
catalysts according to the second aspect and first aspect
respectively or as otherwise defined herein.
[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a process of asymmetric N-substitution of a symmetrical
ligand having a tetraaminophenol coordination sphere, the process
comprising the following steps: [0018] a) protecting the amino
groups of the coordination sphere of the symmetrical ligand with an
optionally substituted alkylene; [0019] b) asymmetrically
N-substituting one or more of the protected amino groups of the
product of step (a) with a substituent.
[0020] In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a
process for the reaction of (i) carbon dioxide with an epoxide,
(ii) an anhydride and an epoxide, and/or (iii) a lactide and/or a
lactone in the presence of a catalyst according to the first
aspect, optionally in the presence of a chain transfer agent.
[0021] The sixth aspect of the invention provides a product of the
process of the fifth aspect of the invention.
Definitions
[0022] For the purpose of the present invention, an aliphatic group
is a hydrocarbon moiety that may be straight chain or branched and
may be completely saturated, or contain one or more units of
unsaturation, but which is not aromatic. The term "unsaturated"
means a moiety that has one or more double and/or triple bonds. The
term "aliphatic" is therefore intended to encompass alkyl, alkenyl
or alkynyl groups, and combinations thereof. An aliphatic group is
preferably a C.sub.1-20 aliphatic group, that is, an aliphatic
group with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 19 or 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, an aliphatic group is a
C.sub.1-15aliphatic, more preferably a C.sub.1-12aliphatic, more
preferably a C.sub.1-10aliphatic, even more preferably a
C.sub.1-8aliphatic, such as a C.sub.1-6aliphatic group.
[0023] An alkyl group is preferably a "C.sub.1-20 alkyl group",
that is an alkyl group that is a straight or branched chain with 1
to 20 carbons. The alkyl group therefore has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 carbon atoms.
Preferably, an alkyl group is a C.sub.1-15alkyl, preferably a
C.sub.1-12alkyl, more preferably a C.sub.1-10alkyl, even more
preferably a C.sub.1-8alkyl, even more preferably a C.sub.1-6alkyl
group. Specifically, examples of "C.sub.1-20 alkyl group" include
methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, iso-propyl group,
n-butyl group, iso-butyl group, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group,
n-pentyl group, n-hexyl group, n-heptyl group, n-octyl group,
n-nonyl group, n-decyl group, n-undecyl group, n-dodecyl group,
n-tridecyl group, n-tetradecyl group, n-pentadecyl group,
n-hexadecyl group, n-heptadecyl group, n-octadecyl group,
n-nonadecyl group, n-eicosyl group, 1,1-dimethylpropyl group,
1,2-dimethylpropyl group, 2,2-dimethylpropyl group, 1-ethylpropyl
group, n-hexyl group, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl group,
1,1,2-trimethylpropyl group, 1-ethylbutyl group, 1-methylbutyl
group, 2-methylbutyl group, 1,1-dimethylbutyl group,
1,2-dimethylbutyl group, 2,2-dimethylbutyl group, 1,3-dimethylbutyl
group, 2,3-dimethylbutyl group, 2-ethylbutyl group, 2-methylpentyl
group, 3-methylpentyl group and the like.
[0024] Alkenyl and alkynyl groups are preferably
"C.sub.2-20alkenyl" and "C.sub.2-20alkynyl", more preferably
"C.sub.2-15alkenyl" and "C.sub.2-15alkynyl", even more preferably
"C.sub.2-12alkenyl" and "C.sub.2-12alkynyl", even more preferably
"C.sub.2-10alkenyl" and "C.sub.2-10alkynyl", even more preferably
"C.sub.2-8alkenyl" and "C.sub.2-8alkynyl", most preferably
"C.sub.2-6alkenyl" and "C.sub.2-6alkynyl" groups, respectively.
Alkene and alkyne should be understood accordingly.
[0025] A heteroaliphatic group is an aliphatic group as described
above, which additionally contains one or more heteroatoms.
Heteroaliphatic groups therefore preferably contain from 2 to 21
atoms, preferably from 2 to 16 atoms, more preferably from 2 to 13
atoms, more preferably from 2 to 11 atoms, more preferably from 2
to 9 atoms, even more preferably from 2 to 7 atoms, wherein at
least one atom is a carbon atom. Particularly preferred heteroatoms
are selected from O, S, N, P and Si. When heteroaliphatic groups
have two or more heteroatoms, the heteroatoms may be the same or
different.
[0026] An alicyclic group is a saturated or partially unsaturated
cyclic aliphatic monocyclic or polycyclic (including fused,
bridging and spiro-fused) ring system which has from 3 to 20 carbon
atoms, that is an alicyclic group with 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, an
alicyclic group has from 3 to 15, more preferably from 3 to 12,
even more preferably from 3 to 10, even more preferably from 3 to 8
carbon atoms, even more preferably from 3 to 6 carbons atoms. The
term "alicyclic" encompasses cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and
cycloalkynyl groups. It will be appreciated that the alicyclic
group may comprise an alicyclic ring bearing one or more linking or
non-linking alkyl substituents, such as --CH.sub.2-cyclohexyl.
Specifically, examples of the C.sub.3-20 cycloalkyl group include
cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl,
adamantyl and cyclooctyl.
[0027] A heteroalicyclic group is an alicyclic group as defined
above which has, in addition to carbon atoms, one or more ring
heteroatoms, which are preferably selected from O, S, N, P and Si.
Heteroalicyclic groups preferably contain from one to four
heteroatoms, which may be the same or different. Heterocyclic
groups preferably contain from 5 to 20 atoms, more preferably from
5 to 14 atoms, even more preferably from 5 to 12 atoms.
[0028] An aryl group is a monocyclic or polycyclic ring system
having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. An aryl group is preferably a
"C.sub.6-12 aryl group" and is an aryl group constituted by 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 carbon atoms and includes condensed ring groups
such as monocyclic ring group, or bicyclic ring group and the like.
Specifically, examples of "C.sub.6-10 aryl group" include phenyl
group, biphenyl group, indenyl group, naphthyl group or azulenyl
group and the like. It should be noted that condensed rings such as
indan and tetrahydro naphthalene are also included in the aryl
group.
[0029] A heteroaryl group is an aryl group having, in addition to
carbon atoms, from one to four ring heteroatoms which are
preferably selected from O, S, N, P and Si. A heteroaryl group
preferably has from 5 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 14 ring
atoms. Specifically, examples of a heteroaryl group include
pyridine, imidazole, methylimidazole and dimethylaminopyridine.
[0030] Examples of alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl and heteroaryl
groups include but are not limited to cyclohexyl, phenyl, acridine,
benzimidazole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzoxazole,
benzothiazole, carbazole, cinnoline, dioxin, dioxane, dioxolane,
dithiane, dithiazine, dithiazole, dithiolane, furan, imidazole,
imidazoline, imidazolidine, indole, indoline, indolizine, indazole,
isoindole, isoquinoline, isoxazole, isothiazole, morpholine,
napthyridine, oxazole, oxadiazole, oxathiazole, oxathiazolidine,
oxazine, oxadiazine, phenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine,
phthalazine, piperazine, piperidine, pteridine, purine, pyran,
pyrazine, pyrazole, pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, pyridazine, pyridine,
pyrimidine, pyrrole, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, quinoline,
quinoxaline, quinazoline, quinolizine, tetrahydrofuran, tetrazine,
tetrazole, thiophene, thiadiazine, thiadiazole, thiatriazole,
thiazine, thiazole, thiomorpholine, thianaphthalene, thiopyran,
triazine, triazole, and trithiane.
[0031] The term "halide" or "halogen" are used interchangeably and,
as used herein mean a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine
atom, an iodine atom and the like, preferably a fluorine atom, a
bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and more preferably a fluorine
atom.
[0032] A haloalkyl group is preferably a "C.sub.1-20 haloalkyl
group", more preferably a "C.sub.1-15 haloalkyl group", more
preferably a "C.sub.1-12 haloalkyl group", more preferably a
"C.sub.1-10 haloalkyl group", even more preferably a "C.sub.1-8
haloalkyl group", even more preferably a "C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl
group" and is a C.sub.1-20 alkyl, a C.sub.1-15 alkyl, a C.sub.1-12
alkyl, a C.sub.1-10 alkyl, a C.sub.1-8 alkyl, or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl
group, respectively, as described above substituted with at least
one halogen atom, preferably 1, 2 or 3 halogen atom(s).
Specifically, examples of "C.sub.1-20 haloalkyl group" include
fluoromethyl group, difluoromethyl group, trifluoromethyl group,
fluoroethyl group, difluroethyl group, trifluoroethyl group,
chloromethyl group, bromomethyl group, iodomethyl group and the
like.
[0033] An alkoxy group is preferably a "C.sub.1-20 alkoxy group",
more preferably a "C.sub.1-15 alkoxy group", more preferably a
"C.sub.1-12 alkoxy group", more preferably a "C.sub.1-10 alkoxy
group", even more preferably a "C.sub.1-8 alkoxy group", even more
preferably a "C.sub.1-6 alkoxy group" and is an oxy group that is
bonded to the previously defined C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-15
alkyl, C.sub.1-12 alkyl, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.1-8 alkyl, or
C.sub.1-6 alkyl group respectively. Specifically, examples of
"C.sub.1-20 alkoxy group" include methoxy group, ethoxy group,
n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group, iso-butoxy
group, sec-butoxy group, tert-butoxy group, n-pentyloxy group,
iso-pentyloxy group, sec-pentyloxy group, n-hexyloxy group,
iso-hexyloxy group, n-hexyloxy group, n-heptyloxy group, n-octyloxy
group, n-nonyloxy group, n-decyloxy group, n-undecyloxy group,
n-dodecyloxy group, n-tridecyloxy group, n-tetradecyloxy group,
n-pentadecyloxy group, n-hexadecyloxy group, n-heptadecyloxy group,
n-octadecyloxy group, n-nonadecyloxy group, n-eicosyloxy group,
1,1-dimethylpropoxy group, 1,2-dimethylpropoxy group,
2,2-dimethylpropoxy group, 2-methylbutoxy group,
1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxy group, 1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy group,
1,1-dimethylbutoxy group, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy group,
2,2-dimethylbutoxy group, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy group,
1,3-dimethylbutoxy group, 2-ethylbutoxy group, 2-methylpentyloxy
group, 3-methylpentyloxy group and the like.
[0034] An aryloxy group is preferably a "C.sub.5-20 aryloxy group",
more preferably a "C.sub.6-12 aryloxy group", even more preferably
a "C.sub.6-10 aryloxy group" and is an oxy group that is bonded to
the previously defined C.sub.5-20 aryl, C.sub.6-12 aryl, or
C.sub.6-10 aryl group respectively.
[0035] An alkylthio group is preferably a "C.sub.1-20 alkylthio
group", more preferably a "C.sub.1-15 alkylthio group", more
preferably a "C.sub.1-12 alkylthio group", more preferably a
"C.sub.1-10 alkylthio group", even more preferably a "C.sub.1-8
alkylthio group", even more preferably a "C.sub.1-6 alkylthio
group" and is a thio (--S--) group that is bonded to the previously
defined C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-15 alkyl, C.sub.1-12 alkyl,
C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.1-8 alkyl, or C.sub.1-6 alkyl group
respectively.
[0036] An arylthio group is preferably a "C.sub.5-20 arylthio
group", more preferably a "C.sub.6-12 arylthio group", even more
preferably a "C.sub.6-10 arylthio group" and is an thio (--S--)
group that is bonded to the previously defined C.sub.5-20 aryl,
C.sub.6-12 aryl, or C.sub.6-10 aryl group respectively.
[0037] An alkylaryl group is preferably a "C.sub.6-12 aryl
C.sub.1-20 alkyl group", more preferably a preferably a "C.sub.6-12
aryl C.sub.1-16 alkyl group", even more preferably a "C.sub.6-12
aryl C.sub.1-6 alkyl group" and is an aryl group as defined above
bonded at any position to an alkyl group as defined above. The
point of attachment of the alkylaryl group to a molecule may be via
the alkyl portion and thus, preferably, the alkylaryl group is
--CH.sub.2-Ph or --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-Ph. An alkylaryl group can also
be referred to as "aralkyl".
[0038] A silyl group is preferably a group --Si(R.sub.s).sub.3,
wherein each R.sub.s can be independently an aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
group as defined above. In certain embodiments, each R.sub.s is
independently an unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl.
Preferably, each R.sub.s is an alkyl group selected from methyl,
ethyl or propyl.
[0039] A silyl ether group is preferably a group OSi(R.sub.6).sub.3
wherein each R.sub.6 can be independently an aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
group as defined above. In certain embodiments, each R.sub.6 can be
independently an unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl.
[0040] Preferably, each R.sub.6 is an optionally substituted phenyl
or optionally substituted alkyl group selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl or butyl (such as n-butyl or tert-butyl (tertiary butyl)).
Exemplary silyl ether groups include OSi(Me).sub.3, OSi(Et).sub.3,
OSi(Ph).sub.3, OSi(Me).sub.2(tertiary butyl), OSi(tertiary
butyl).sub.3 and OSi(Ph).sub.2(tertiary butyl).
[0041] A nitrile group (also referred to as a cyano group) is a
group CN.
[0042] An imine group is a group --CRNR, preferably a group
--CHNR.sub.7 wherein R.sub.7 is an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic,
alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group as defined
above. In certain embodiments, R.sub.7 is unsubstituted aliphatic,
alicyclic or aryl. Preferably R.sub.7 is an alkyl group selected
from methyl, ethyl or propyl.
[0043] An acetylide group contains a triple bond
--C.ident.C--R.sub.9, preferably wherein R.sub.9 can be hydrogen,
an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or
heteroaryl group as defined above. For the purposes of the
invention when R.sub.9 is alkyl, the triple bond can be present at
any position along the alkyl chain. In certain embodiments, R.sub.9
is unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl. Preferably R.sub.9
is methyl, ethyl, propyl or phenyl.
[0044] An amino group is preferably --NH.sub.2, --NHR.sub.10 or
--N(R.sub.10).sub.2 wherein R.sub.10 can be an aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, a silyl group, aryl or
heteroaryl group as defined above. It will be appreciated that when
the amino group is N(R.sub.10).sub.2, each R.sub.10 group can be
the same or different. In certain embodiments, each R.sub.10 is
independently an unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic, silyl or aryl.
Preferably R.sub.10 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, SiMe.sub.3 or
phenyl.
[0045] An amido group is preferably --NR.sub.11C(O)-- or
--C(O)--NR.sub.11-- wherein R.sub.11 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
group as defined above. In certain embodiments, R.sub.11 is
unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl. Preferably R.sub.11 is
hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl or phenyl. The amido group may be
terminated by hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group.
[0046] An ester group is preferably --OC(O)R.sub.12-- or
--C(O)OR.sub.12-- wherein R.sub.12 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
group as defined above. In certain embodiments, R.sub.12 is
unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl. Preferably R.sub.12 is
hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl or phenyl. The ester group may be
terminated by hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group.
[0047] A sulfoxide is preferably --S(O)R.sub.13 and a sulfonyl
group is preferably --S(O).sub.2R.sub.13 wherein R.sub.13 can be
hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group as defined above. In
certain embodiments, R.sub.13 is unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic
or aryl. Preferably R.sub.13 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl or
phenyl.
[0048] A carboxylate group is preferably --OC(O)R.sub.14, wherein
R.sub.14 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group as defined above. In
certain embodiments, R.sub.14 is unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic
or aryl. Preferably R.sub.14 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl,
butyl (for example n-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl), phenyl,
pentafluorophenyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl,
undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl,
heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl, trifluoromethyl or
adamantyl.
[0049] In an -alkylC(O)OR.sub.19 or -alkylC(O)R.sub.19 group,
R.sub.19 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group as defined above. In
certain embodiments, R.sub.19 is unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic
or aryl. Preferably R.sub.19 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl,
butyl (for example n-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl), phenyl,
pentafluorophenyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl,
undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl,
heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl, trifluoromethyl or
adamantyl.
[0050] An acetamide is preferably MeC(O)N(R.sub.15).sub.2 wherein
R.sub.15 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group as defined above. In
certain embodiments, R.sub.15 is unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic
or aryl. Preferably R.sub.15 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl or
phenyl.
[0051] A phosphinate group is preferably a group
--OP(O)(R.sub.16).sub.2 or --P(O)(OR.sub.16) wherein each R.sub.16
is independently selected from hydrogen, or an aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
group as defined above. In certain embodiments, R.sub.16 is
aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl, which are optionally substituted by
aliphatic, alicyclic, aryl or C.sub.1-6alkoxy. Preferably R.sub.16
is optionally substituted aryl or C.sub.1-20 alkyl, more preferably
phenyl optionally substituted by C.sub.1-6alkoxy (preferably
methoxy) or unsubstituted C.sub.1-20alkyl (such as hexyl, octyl,
decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, stearyl).
[0052] A sulfinate group is preferably --OSOR.sub.17 wherein
R.sub.17 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic,
haloaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group
as defined above.
[0053] In certain embodiments, R.sub.17 is unsubstituted aliphatic,
alicyclic or aryl. Preferably R.sub.17 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl,
propyl or phenyl.
[0054] A carbonate group is preferably OC(O)OR.sub.18, wherein
R.sub.18 can be hydrogen, an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl group as defined above. In
certain embodiments, R.sub.18 is optionally substituted aliphatic,
alicyclic or aryl. Preferably R.sub.18 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl,
propyl, butyl (for example n-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl),
phenyl, pentafluorophenyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl,
decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl,
hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl,
trifluoromethyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl or adamantyl.
[0055] It will be appreciated that where any of the above groups
are present in a Lewis base G, one or more additional R groups may
be present, as appropriate, to complete the valency. For example,
in the context of an amino group, an additional R group may be
present to give RNHR.sub.10, wherein R is hydrogen, an optionally
substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic,
aryl or heteroaryl group as defined above. Preferably, R is
hydrogen or aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl.
[0056] Any of the aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy,
alkylthio, arylthio, alkylaryl, silyl, silyl ether, ester,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, carboxylate, carbonate, imine, acetylide,
amino, phosphinate, sulfonate or amido groups wherever mentioned in
the definitions above, may optionally be substituted by halogen,
hydroxy, nitro, carboxylate, carbonate, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio,
arylthio, heteroaryloxy, alkylaryl, amino, amido, imine, nitrile,
silyl, silyl ether, ester, sulfoxide, sulfonyl, acetylide,
phosphinate, sulfonate or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
groups (for example, optionally substituted by halogen, hydroxy,
nitro, carbonate, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, amino,
imine, nitrile, silyl, sulfoxide, sulfonyl, phosphinate, sulfonate
or acetylide).
[0057] It will be appreciated that although in formula (I), the
groups X and G are illustrated as being associated with a single
M.sub.1 or M.sub.2 metal centre, one or more X and G groups may
form a bridge between the M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 metal centres.
[0058] For the purposes of the present invention, the epoxide
substrate is not limited. The term epoxide therefore relates to any
compound comprising an epoxide moiety. Examples of epoxides which
may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited
to, cyclohexene oxide, styrene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene
oxide, substituted cyclohexene oxides (such as limonene oxide,
C.sub.10H.sub.16O or 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane,
C.sub.11H.sub.22O), alkylene oxides (such as ethylene oxide and
substituted ethylene oxides) or substituted or unsubstituted
oxiranes (such as oxirane, epichlorohydrin,
2-(2-methoxyethoxy)methyl oxirane (MEMO),
2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)methyl oxirane (ME2MO),
2-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)methyl oxirane (ME3MO),
1,2-epoxybutane, glycidyl ethers), vinyl-cyclohexene oxide,
3-phenyl-1,2-epoxypropane, 1,2- and 2,3-epoxybutane, isobutylene
oxide, cyclopentene oxide, 2,3-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene,
indene oxide, and functionalized 3,5-dioxaepoxides. Examples of
functionalized 3,5-dioxaepoxides include:
##STR00006##
[0059] The epoxide moiety may be a glycidyl ether, glycidyl ester
or glycidyl carbonate. Examples of glycidyl ethers, glycidyl esters
and glycidyl carbonates include:
##STR00007##
[0060] The epoxide substrate may contain more than one epoxide
moiety, i.e. it may be a bis-epoxide, a tris-epoxide, or a
multi-epoxide containing moiety. Examples of compounds including
more than one epoxide moiety include bisphenol A diglycidyl ether
and 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate. It
will be understood that reactions carried out in the presence of
one or more compounds having more than one epoxide moiety may lead
to cross-linking in the resulting polymer.
[0061] The skilled person will appreciate that the epoxide can be
obtained from "green" or renewable resources. The epoxide may be
obtained from a (poly)unsaturated compound, such as those deriving
from a fatty acid and/or terpene, obtained using standard oxidation
chemistries.
[0062] The epoxide moiety may contain --OH moieties, or protected
--OH moieties. The --OH moieties may be protected by any suitable
protecting group. Suitable protecting groups include methyl or
other alkyl groups, benzyl, allyl, tert-butyl, tetrahydropyranyl
(THP), methoxymethyl (MOM), acetyl (C(O)alkyl), benzolyl (C(O)Ph),
dimethoxytrityl (DMT), methoxyethoxymethyl (MEM), p-methoxybenzyl
(PMB), trityl, silyl (such as trimethylsilyl (TMS),
t-Butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS), t-Butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS),
tri-iso-propylsilyloxymethyl (TOM), and triisopropylsilyl (TIPS)),
(4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethyl (MMT), tetrahydrofuranyl (THF), and
tetrahydropyranyl (THP).
[0063] The epoxide preferably has a purity of at least 98%, more
preferably >99%.
[0064] It will be understood that the term "an epoxide" is intended
to encompass one or more epoxides. In other words, the term "an
epoxide" refers to a single epoxide, or a mixture of two or more
different epoxides. For example, the epoxide substrate may be a
mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, a mixture of
cyclohexene oxide and propylene oxide, a mixture of ethylene oxide
and cyclohexene oxide, or a mixture of ethylene oxide, propylene
oxide and cyclohexene oxide.
[0065] The skilled person will also understand that substituted and
unsubstituted oxetanes can be used in place of, and in addition to,
the epoxides of the second aspect of the invention. Suitable
oxetanes include unsubstituted or substituted oxetanes (preferably
substituted at the 3-position by halogen, alkyl (unsubstituted or
substituted by --OH or halogen), amino, hydroxyl, aryl (e.g.
phenyl), alkylaryl (e.g. benzyl)). Exemplary oxetanes include
oxetane, 3-ethyl-3-oxetanemethanol, oxetane-3-methanol,
3-methyl-3-oxetanemethanol, 3-methyloxetane, 3-ethyloxetane,
etc.
[0066] The term anhydride relates to any compound comprising an
anhydride moiety in a ring system (i.e. a cyclic anhydride).
Preferably, the anhydrides which are useful in the present
invention have the following formula:
##STR00008##
[0067] Wherein m'' is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 (preferably 1 or 2), each
R.sup.a1, R.sup.a2, R.sup.a3 and R.sup.a4 is independently selected
from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, nitro, alkoxy, aryloxy,
heteroaryloxy, amino, alkylamino, imine, nitrile, acetylide,
carboxylate or optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic,
alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylaryl or
alkylheteroaryl; or two or more of R.sup.a1, R.sup.a2R.sup.a3 and
R.sup.a4 can be taken together to form a saturated, partially
saturated or unsaturated 3 to 12 membered, optionally substituted
ring system, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, or can
be taken together to form a double bond. Each Q is independently C,
O, N or S, preferably C, wherein R.sup.a3 and R.sup.a4 are either
present, or absent, and can either be or , according to the valency
of Q. It will be appreciated that when Q is C, and is , R.sup.a3
and R.sup.a4 (or two R.sup.a4 on adjacent carbon atoms) are absent.
The skilled person will appreciate that the anhydrides may be
obtained from "green" or renewable resources. Preferable anhydrides
are set out below.
##STR00009##
[0068] The term lactone relates to any cyclic compound comprising
a-C(O)O-- moiety in the ring. Preferably, the lactones which are
useful in the present invention have the following formula:
##STR00010##
[0069] Wherein m is 1 to 20 (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20), preferably 2, 4, or 5;
and R.sup.L1 and R.sup.L2 are independently selected from hydrogen,
halogen, hydroxyl, nitro, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, amino,
alkylamino, imine, nitrile, acetylide, carboxylate or optionally
substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic,
aryl, heteroaryl, alkylaryl or alkylheteroaryl. Two or more of
R.sup.L1 and R.sup.L2 can be taken together to form a saturated,
partially saturated or unsaturated 3 to 12 membered, optionally
substituted ring system, optionally containing one or more
heteroatoms. When m is 2 or more, the R.sup.L1 and R.sup.L2 on each
carbon atom may be the same or different. Preferably R.sup.L1 and
R.sup.L2 are selected from hydrogen or alkyl. Preferably, the
lactone has the following structure:
##STR00011##
[0070] The term lactide is a cyclic compound containing two ester
groups. Preferably, the lactides which are useful in the present
invention have the following formula:
##STR00012##
[0071] Wherein m' is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, (preferably 1
or 2, more preferably, 1) and R.sup.L3 and R.sup.L4 are
independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, nitro,
alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, amino, alkylamino, imine, nitrile,
acetylide, carboxylate or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylaryl or alkylheteroaryl. Two or more of R.sup.L3 and R.sup.L4
can be taken together to form a saturated, partially saturated or
unsaturated 3 to 12 membered, optionally substituted ring system,
optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, When m' is 2 or
more, the R.sup.L3 and R.sup.L4 on each carbon atom may be the same
or different or one or more R.sup.L3 and R.sup.L4 on adjacent
carbon atoms can be absent, thereby forming a double or triple
bond. It will be appreciated that while the compound has two
moieties represented by (--CR.sup.L3R.sup.L4).sub.m', both moieties
will be identical. Preferably, m' is 1, R.sup.L4 is H, and R.sup.L3
is H, hydroxyl or a C.sub.1-6alkyl, preferably methyl. The
stereochemistry of the moiety represented by
(--CR.sup.L3R.sup.L4).sub.m', can either be the same (for example
RR-lactide or SS-lactide), or different (for example,
meso-lactide). The lactide may be a racemic mixture, or may be an
optically pure isomer. Preferably, the lactide has the following
formula:
##STR00013##
[0072] The term "lactone and/or lactide" used herein encompasses a
lactone, a lactide and a combination of a lactone and a lactide.
Preferably, the term "lactone and/or lactide" means a lactone or a
lactide.
[0073] Preferred optional substituents of the groups R.sup.a1, R,
R.sup.2, R.sup.a3, R.sup.a4, R.sup.L1, R.sup.L2, R.sup.L3 and
R.sup.L4 include halogen, nitro, hydroxyl, unsubstituted aliphatic,
unsubstituted heteroaliphatic unsubstituted aryl, unsubstituted
heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, amino, alkylamino,
imine, nitrile, acetylide, and carboxylate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] In the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a
catalyst of formula (I):
##STR00014##
wherein: M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from
Zn(II), Cr(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), Fe(II),
Ti(II), V(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(III)-X, Ni(III)-X, Mn(III)-X,
Fe(III)-X, Ca(II), Ge(II), AI(III)-X, Ti(III)-X, V(III)-X,
Ge(IV)-(X).sub.2 or Ti(IV)-(X).sub.2; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are
independently selected from hydrogen, halide, a nitro group, a
nitrile group, an imine, an amine, an ether group, a silyl group, a
silyl ether group, a sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinate
group or an acetylide group or an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,
alkylthio, arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group; R.sub.3A
and R.sub.3B are independently selected from optionally substituted
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene,
heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or cycloalkylene, wherein
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene
and heteroalkynylene, may optionally be interrupted by aryl,
heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently
selected from H, or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; E.sub.1 is C, E.sub.2 is O, S or NH
or E.sub.1 is N and E.sub.2 is O; E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 are each independently selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S,
wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is
, and wherein when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are
NR.sub.4, O or S, is ; R is independently selected from H, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; X
is independently selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OSO.sub.2R.sup.x,
OSOR.sup.x, OSO(R.sup.x).sub.2, S(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, phosphinate,
halide, nitrate, hydroxyl, carbonate, amino, amido or optionally
substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic,
aryl or heteroaryl; R.sub.x is independently hydrogen, or
optionally substituted aliphatic, haloaliphatic, heteroaliphatic,
alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, alkylaryl or heteroaryl; and G is
absent or independently selected from a neutral or anionic donor
ligand which is a Lewis base; and wherein: [0075] i) R.sub.3A is
different from R.sub.3B; and/or [0076] ii) at least one occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a
remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
[0077] Preferably, each of the occurrences of the groups R.sub.1
and R.sub.2 may be the same or different.
[0078] Preferably R, and R.sub.2 are independently selected from
hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro, sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate,
silyl, silyl ether and an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl,
aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy or alkylthio. Preferably each
occurrence of R.sub.2 is the same. Preferably, each occurrence of
R.sub.2 is the same, and is hydrogen.
[0079] Even more preferably, R.sub.2 is hydrogen and R.sub.1 is
independently selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro,
sulfoxide, sulfonyl, sulfinate, silyl ether and optionally
substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,
alkylthio, arylthio, such as hydrogen, C.sub.1-6alkyl (e.g.
haloalkyl), alkoxy, aryl, halide, nitro, sulfonyl, silyl and
alkylthio, for example, tertiary butyl, isopropyl, methyl,
methyloxy, hydrogen, nitro, dimethylsulfoxide, trialkylsilyl for
example triethylsilyl, silyl ether, halogen or phenyl. Most
preferably R, is tertiary butyl and R.sub.2 is hydrogen.
[0080] Each occurrence of R, can be the same or different, and
R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be the same or different. Preferably each
occurrence of R, is the same. Preferably, each occurrence of
R.sup.1 is the same, and each occurrence of R.sub.2 is the same,
and R, is different to R.sub.2. The skilled person will appreciate
that when each occurrence of R.sub.1 is different, this adds to the
asymmetry of the catalyst.
[0081] It will be appreciated that the groups R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
can be a disubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl,
heteroalkenyl or heteroalkynyl group which may optionally be
interrupted by an aryl, heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic
group, or may be a disubstituted aryl or cycloalkyl group which
acts as a bridging group between two nitrogen centres in the
catalyst of formula (I). Thus, where R.sub.3A or R.sub.38 is an
alkylene group, such as dimethylpropylene, the R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B
group has the structure --CH.sub.2--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2--CH.sub.2--.
The definitions of the alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl etc groups set out
above therefore also relate respectively to the alkylene, arylene,
cycloalkylene etc groups set out for R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B, and may
be optionally substituted. Exemplary options for R.sub.3A and
R.sub.3B include ethylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene,
2,2-fluoropropylene, propylene, butylene, phenylene, cyclohexylene
or biphenylene, more preferably 2,2-dimethylpropylene,
2,2-fluoropropylene, propylene, cyclohexylene or phenylene. When
R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B is cyclohexylene, it can be the racemic, RR-
or SS-forms. Preferably R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B are selected from
ethylene, propylene, a substituted propylene, such as
2,2-di(alkyl)propylene, phenylene, or cyclohexylene, more
preferably R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B are 2,2-di(methyl)propylene.
[0082] When each occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 is the same, R.sub.3A is different to R.sub.3B. It will
also be appreciated that when at least one occurrence of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6, R.sub.3A can be the same
as, or different to R.sub.3B.
[0083] Preferably, when R.sub.3A is different to R.sub.3B, R.sub.3A
can be optionally substituted alkylene (for example, optionally
substituted propylene, e.g. 2,2-dimethylpropylene,
2,2-fluoropropylene or propylene), or optionally substituted
cycloalkylene (such as cyclohexylene), and R.sub.3B can be
optionally substituted arylene (such as phenylene or biphenylene),
or optionally substituted alkylene (for example, optionally
substituted propylene, e.g. 2,2-dimethylpropylene,
2,2-fluoropropylene, ethylene or propylene).
[0084] In a first preferred embodiment, R.sub.3A is
2,2-dimethylpropylene, and R.sub.3B is phenylene.
[0085] In a second preferred embodiment, R.sub.3A is a
disubstituted cycloalkylene which acts as a bridging group between
two nitrogen centres in the catalyst of formula (I), and R.sub.3B
is 2,2-dimethylpropylene.
[0086] In a third preferred embodiment, R.sub.3A is
2,2-dimethylpropylene, and R.sub.3B is propylene or ethylene.
[0087] In a fourth preferred embodiment, R.sub.3A is propylene, and
R.sub.3B is 2,2-dimethylpropylene.
[0088] E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are each independently
selected from N, NR.sub.4, O or S. The skilled person will
understand that when any of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6
are N, is . It will also be understood that when any of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4, O or S, is .
[0089] When R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are the same, at least one
occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 is different to
a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6.
[0090] Preferably when at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6, each E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4, but at least one of the R.sub.4
groups is different from a remaining R.sub.4 groups.
[0091] Alternatively, when at least one occurrence of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6, and at least one
occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4, at
least one of the remaining E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6
groups is selected from N, O or S.
[0092] It will be understood that when R.sub.3A is different to
R.sub.3B, each E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 may be the
same or different.
[0093] Preferably, when R.sub.3A is different to R.sub.3B, each
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are the same. When each of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are the same, preferably each
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4, more
preferably each of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are
NH.
[0094] It will be understood that E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 may be the
same, E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 may be the same, E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 may
be the same, E.sub.4 and E.sub.5 may be the same, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 may be the same, and/or E.sub.3 and E.sub.6 may be the
same. It is preferred that E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are the same, and
E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 are the same, and E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are
different to E.sub.4 and E.sub.6, preferably E.sub.3 and E.sub.5
are S or O and E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 are N or NR.sub.4 (such as NH).
Alternatively, E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 can be the same, and E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 can be the same, and E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 are different to
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6, preferably E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 are S and
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are N or NR.sub.4 (such as NH).
[0095] Preferably each R.sub.4 is independently selected from
hydrogen, and an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
aryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl or heteroaryl.
Preferably, at least one R.sub.4 is hydrogen. At least one R.sub.4
is may be different to a remaining R.sub.4 group/s. When each
R.sub.4 is the same, it is preferably selected from hydrogen, and
an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,
heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl or heteroaryl. Exemplary
options for R.sub.4 include hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,
n-butyl, isopropyl, tertiary butyl, benzyl, phenyl,
-alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19 (as defined hereinabove for example methyl
propanoate), alkyl nitrile of the formula -alkyl-C.ident.N or alkyl
ketone/aldehyde of the formula alkyl-C(O)--R.sub.19. A further
exemplary option is methylpyridine.
[0096] Preferably each E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
NR.sub.4, and one of the R.sub.4 groups is different, preferably
E.sub.4 is different. More preferably one of the R.sub.4 groups is
selected from an optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl. Still
more preferably one of the R.sub.4 groups is selected from methyl,
ethyl, propyl, butyl or -alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19 as defined
hereinabove, for example methyl propanoate. Preferably the
remaining R.sub.4 groups are hydrogen.
[0097] Preferably each E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
NR.sub.4, and two of the R.sub.4 groups are different, preferably
E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are different or E.sub.4 and E.sub.5 are
different. More preferably two of the R.sub.4 groups are selected
from an optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl. Still more
preferably two of the R.sub.4 groups are selected from methyl,
ethyl, propyl, butyl or -alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19 as defined
hereinabove, for example methyl propanoate. Preferably the
remaining R.sub.4 groups are hydrogen.
[0098] Preferably two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are
NR.sub.4, and two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are N.
More preferably two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are NH
and two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are N. Still more
preferably, E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 are NH and E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are
N, or E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are NH and E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 are N.
[0099] Preferably two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are
S, and two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4.
More preferably two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are S,
and two of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are NH. Still more
preferably E.sub.3 and E.sub.5 are S, and, E.sub.4 and E.sub.6 are
NH.
[0100] Preferably each R.sub.5 is independently selected from
hydrogen, and optionally substituted aliphatic or aryl. More
preferably, each R.sub.5 is independently selected from hydrogen,
and optionally substituted alkyl or aryl. Even more preferably,
each R.sub.5 is the same, and is selected from hydrogen, and
optionally substituted alkyl or aryl. Exemplary R.sub.5 groups
include hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, phenyl and trifluoromethyl,
preferably hydrogen, methyl or trifluoromethyl. Even more
preferably, each R.sub.5 is hydrogen.
[0101] Preferably both occurrences of E.sub.1 are C and both
occurrences of E.sub.2 are the same, and selected from O, S or NH.
Even more preferably, both occurrences of E, are C and both
occurrences of E.sub.2 are O.
[0102] Each X is independently selected from OC(O)R.sup.x,
OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, OS(O)R.sup.x, OSO(R.sup.x).sub.2, S(O)R.sup.x,
OR.sup.x, phosphinate, halide, nitro, hydroxyl, carbonate, amino,
amido and optionally substituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic (for
example silyl), alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl.
Preferably each X is independently OC(O)R.sup.x, OSO.sub.2R.sup.x,
OS(O)R.sup.x, OSO(R.sup.x).sub.2, S(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide,
nitrate, hydroxyl, carbonate, amino, nitro, amido, alkyl (e.g.
branched alkyl), heteroalkyl, (for example silyl), aryl or
heteroaryl. In particularly preferred embodiments, each X is
independently OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide, carbonate, amino,
nitro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, phosphinate or OSO.sub.2R.sup.x.
Preferred optional substituents for when X is aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl
include halogen, hydroxyl, nitro, cyano, amino, or substituted or
unsubstituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl. Each X may be the same or
different and preferably each X is the same.
[0103] R.sup.x is independently hydrogen, or optionally substituted
aliphatic, haloaliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl, alkylaryl or heteroaryl. Preferably, R.sup.x
is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or
alkylaryl. Preferred optional substitutents for R.sup.x include
halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, alkoxy, alkylthio, or
substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic,
heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl (e.g. optionally substituted
alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl).
[0104] Exemplary options for X include acetate, trifluoroacetyl,
octanoate, carbonate, 2-ethylhexanoate, cyclohexylbutyrate,
dimethyl sulfonyl, ethyl, methyl, methyloxy, isopropyloxy, tertiary
butyloxy, halogen (such as chloride, bromide, iodide, fluoride),
diisopropylamide or bis(trimethylsilyl)amide phenoxy, n-butyloxy,
salicylate, dioctyl phosphinate, diphenyl phosphinate etc.
Preferably X is acetate.
[0105] M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from Zn(II),
Cr(III), Cr(II), Co(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Ni(III), Mn(III),
Mn(II), Mg(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Ca(II), Ge(II), Ti(II), AI(III),
Ti(III), V(II), V(III), Ge(IV) or Ti(IV). Preferably, M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are independently selected from Zn(II), Cr(III), Co(II),
Mn(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III), Fe(II) and Fe(III), even more
preferably, M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from
Zn(II), Cr(III), Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Ni(III), Mg(II), Fe(II),
and Fe(III), and even more preferably, M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Zn(II), Ni(II), Ni(III) and Mg(II).
Still more preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently
selected from Ni(II), Ni(III), or Mg(II). Preferably M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are the same. Most preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the
same and are Ni(II) or Mg(II).
[0106] It will be appreciated that when M.sub.1 or M.sub.2 is
Cr(III), Co(III), Mn(III), Ni(III) or Fe(III), the catalyst of
formula (I) will contain an additional X group co-ordinated to the
metal centre, wherein X is as defined above. It will also be
appreciated that when M.sub.1 or M.sub.2 is Ge(IV) or Ti(IV), the
catalyst of formula (III) will contain two additional X group
co-ordinated to the metal centre, wherein X is as defined above. It
will be understood that when M.sub.1 or M.sub.2 is Ge(IV) or
Ti(IV), both G may be absent.
[0107] When G is not absent, it is a group which is capable of
donating a lone pair of electrons (i.e. a Lewis base). G can be a
nitrogen-containing Lewis base. Each G may be neutral or negatively
charged. If G is negatively charged, then one or more positive
counterions will be required to balance out the charge of the
complex. Suitable positive counterions include group 1 metal ions
(Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, etc), group 2 metal ions (Mg.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+,
etc), imidazolium ions, a positively charged optionally substituted
heteroaryl, heteroaliphatic or heteroalicyclic group, ammonium ions
(i.e. N(R.sup.12).sub.4.sup.+), iminium ions (i.e.
(R.sup.12).sub.2C.dbd.N(R.sup.12).sub.2.sup.+, such as
bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium ions) or phosphonium ions
(P(R.sup.12).sub.4.sup.+), wherein each R.sup.12 is independently
selected from hydrogen or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl or heteroaryl.
Exemplary counterions include [H-B].sup.+ wherein B is selected
from triethylamine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and
7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene.
[0108] G is preferably independently selected from an optionally
substituted heteroaliphatic group, an optionally substituted
heteroalicyclic group, an optionally substituted heteroaryl group,
a halide, hydroxide, hydride, a carboxylate and water. More
preferably, G is independently selected from water, an alcohol (e.g
methanol), a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl (imidazole,
methyl imidazole (for example, N-methyl imidazole), pyridine,
4-dimethylaminopyridine, pyrrole, pyrazole, etc), an ether
(dimethyl ether, diethylether, cyclic ethers, etc), a thioether,
carbene, a phosphine, a phosphine oxide, a substituted or
unsubstituted heteroalicyclic (morpholine, piperidine,
tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrothiophene, etc), an amine, an alkyl
amine trimethylamine, triethylamine, etc), acetonitrile, an ester
(ethyl acetate, etc), an acetamide (dimethylacetamide, etc), a
sulfoxide (dimethylsulfoxide, etc), a carboxylate, a hydroxide,
hydride, a halide, a nitrate, a sulfonate, etc. It will be
appreciated that one or both instances of G can be independently
selected from optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally
substituted heteroaliphatic, optionally substituted
heteroalicyclic, halide, hydroxide, hydride, an ether, a thioether,
carbene, a phosphine, a phosphine oxide, an amine, an alkyl amine,
acetonitrile, an ester, an acetamide, a sulfoxide, a carboxylate, a
nitrate or a sulfonate. G may be a halide; hydroxide; hydride;
water; a heteroaryl, heteroalicyclic or carboxylate group which are
optionally substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen,
hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile. Preferably, G is independently selected
from halide; water; a heteroaryl optionally substituted by alkyl
(e.g. methyl, ethyl etc), alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy (preferably
methoxy), halogen, hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile. It will be
understood that one or both instances of G may be negatively
charged (for example, halide). Preferably, one or both instances of
G is an optionally substituted heteroaryl. Exemplary G groups
include chloride, bromide, pyridine, methylimidazole (for example
N-methyl imidazole) and dimethylaminopyridine (for example,
4-methylaminopyridine).
[0109] It will be appreciated that when a G group is present, the G
group may be associated with a single M metal centre as shown in
formula (I), or the G group may be associated with both metal
centres and form a bridge between the two metal centres, as shown
below in formula (Ia):
##STR00015##
[0110] Wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3A, R.sub.3B, R.sub.4,
E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5, E.sub.6, R.sub.5, M, G
and X, are as defined for formula (I). It will also be appreciated
that X may form a bridge between the two metal centres.
[0111] The skilled person will understand that, in the solid state,
the catalysts of the first aspect may be associated with solvent
molecules such as water, or alcohol (e.g. methanol or ethanol). It
will be appreciated that the solvent molecules may be present in a
ratio of less than 1:1 relative to the molecules of catalyst of the
first aspect (i.e. 0.2:1, 0.25:1, 0.5:1), in a ratio of 1:1,
relative to the molecules of catalyst of the first aspect, or in a
ratio of greater than 1:1, relative to the molecules of catalyst of
the first aspect.
[0112] The skilled person will understand that, in the solid state,
the catalysts of the first aspect may form aggregates. For example,
the catalyst of the first aspect may be a dimer, a trimer, a
tetramer, a pentamer, or higher aggregate.
[0113] It will be appreciated that the preferred features described
above for the catalyst of the first aspect may be present in
combination mutatis mutandis.
[0114] For example, each occurrence of R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 are H,
E, is C and E.sub.2 is O, S or NH (preferably E.sub.2 is O).
[0115] Preferably, both occurrences of R, are the same, and are
selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro, sulfoxide, sulfonyl,
sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are the same or different, and are
selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or
unsubstituted cycloalkylene and substituted or unsubstituted
arylene; E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 are the same or different and are
selected from NR.sub.4, S, N or O; R.sub.4 is hydrogen, an
optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; each X is the same,
and is selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide, carbonate,
amino, nitro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, phosphinate or
OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl,
aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,
heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each G (where present)
is independently selected from halide; water; a heteroaryl
optionally substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen,
hydroxyl, nitro or nitrile; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently
selected from Mg(II), Zn(II), Cr(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(II), Co(III)-X,
Mn(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X, Fe(II), and Fe(III)-X, preferably
M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from Mg(II), Ni(II),
Ni(III)-X and Zn(II). Preferably M, and M.sub.2 are the same, and
are selected from Ni(II) or Mg(II).
[0116] Preferably, both occurrences of R, are the same, and are
selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro, sulfoxide, sulfonyl,
sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A is a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene
or alkylene and R.sub.3B is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene
or arylene; each occurrence of E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4;
R.sub.4 is hydrogen; each X is the same, and is selected from
OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide, carbonate, amino, nitro, alkyl,
aryl, heteroaryl, phosphinate or OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or
alkylaryl; R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl,
heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each G (where present) is independently
selected from halide; water; a heteroaryl optionally substituted by
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, nitro or
nitrile; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from
Mg(II), Zn(II), Cr(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(II), Co(III)-X, Mn(II),
Ni(II), Ni(III)-X, Fe(II), and Fe(III)-X, preferably M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are independently selected from Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X
and Zn(II). Still more preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Ni(II), Ni(III), or Mg(II). Preferably
M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the same, and are selected from Ni(II) or
Mg(II).
[0117] Preferably, both occurrences of R, are the same, and are
selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro, sulfoxide, sulfonyl,
sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are the same and are substituted or
unsubstituted alkylene; each of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4 wherein one of the R.sub.4 groups is different
from a remaining R.sub.4 group and is selected from an optionally
substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl and the remaining R.sub.4 group/s
are hydrogen; each X is the same, and is selected from
OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, halide, carbonate, amino, nitro, alkyl,
aryl, heteroaryl, phosphinate or OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or
alkylaryl; R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl,
heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each G (where present) is independently
selected from halide; water; a heteroaryl optionally substituted by
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, nitro or
nitrile; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from
Mg(II), Zn(II), Cr(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(II), Co(III)-X, Mn(II),
Ni(II), Ni(III)-X, Fe(II), and Fe(III)-X, preferably M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are independently selected from Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X
and Zn(II). Still more preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Ni(II), Ni(III), or Mg(II). Preferably
M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the same, and are selected from Ni(II) or
Mg(II).
[0118] Preferably both occurrences of R, are the same, and are
selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro, sulfoxide, sulfonyl,
sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are selected from substituted or
unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene
and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 are
selected from N, NR.sub.4, S or O; R.sub.4 is selected from
hydrogen, or optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; each X is
the same, and is selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, or
OSO.sub.2R.sup.x, R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl,
aryl, heteroaryl or alkylaryl; each G (where present) is
independently selected from halide; water; a heteroaryl optionally
substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl,
nitro or nitrile; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected
from Mg(II), Zn(II), Cr(II), Cr(III)-X, Co(II), Co(III)-X, Mn(II),
Ni(II), Ni(III)-X, Fe(II), and Fe(III)-X, preferably M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are independently selected from Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X
and Zn(II). Still more preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Ni(II), Ni(III), or Mg(II). Preferably
M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the same, and are selected from Ni(II) or
Mg(II); wherein: [0119] i) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B;
and/or [0120] ii) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
[0121] More preferably, both occurrences of R, are the same, and
are selected from an optionally substituted alkyl; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are selected from substituted or
unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene,
and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; each occurrence of
E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen,
or optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; each X is the same,
and is selected from OC(O)R.sup.x, OR.sup.x, or OSO.sub.2R.sup.x,
R.sup.x is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl
or alkylaryl; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are independently selected from
Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X and Zn(II). Still more preferably M.sub.1
and M.sub.2 are independently selected from Ni(II), Ni(III), or
Mg(II). Preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the same, and are
selected from Ni(II) or Mg(II); wherein: [0122] i) R.sub.3A is
different from R.sub.38; and/or [0123] ii) at least one occurrence
of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a
remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
[0124] Still more preferably, both occurrences of R, are the same,
and are tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are selected from butylene, benzylene, ethylene, propylene,
2,2-dimethylpropylene; each occurrence of E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is
NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl,
butyl, or -alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19 as defined hereinabove, preferably
methyl propanoate; each X is the same, and is OAc; M.sub.1 and
M.sub.2 are independently selected from Mg(II), Ni(II), Ni(III)-X
and Zn(II). Still more preferably M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are
independently selected from Ni(II), Ni(III), or Mg(II). Preferably
M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the same, and are selected from Ni(II) or
Mg(II); wherein: [0125] i) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B;
and/or [0126] ii) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and Ee.
[0127] Exemplary catalysts of the first aspect are as follows:
##STR00016## ##STR00017## ##STR00018## ##STR00019##
##STR00020##
[0128] More preferably the catalyst of formula (I) is:
##STR00021## ##STR00022##
[0129] In the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a
ligand of formula (II):
##STR00023##
wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from
hydrogen, halide, a nitro group, a nitrile group, an imine, an
amine, an ether group, a silyl group, a silyl ether group, a
sulfoxide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinate group or an
acetylide group or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio,
arylthio, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic group; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B
are independently selected from optionally substituted alkylene,
alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene,
heteroalkynylene, arylene, heteroarylene or cycloalkylene, wherein
alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene
and heteroalkynylene, may optionally be interrupted by aryl,
heteroaryl, alicyclic or heteroalicyclic; R.sub.5 is independently
selected from H, or optionally substituted aliphatic,
heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl,
alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; E, is C, E.sub.2 is OY, S or NH or
E.sub.1 is N and E.sub.2 is O; Y is hydrogen or an alkali metal;
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 are each independently
selected from N, NR.sub.4, O and S, wherein when any of E.sub.3,
E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are N, is , and wherein when any of
E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 or E.sub.6 are NR.sub.4, O or S, is ;
R.sub.4 is independently selected from H, or optionally substituted
aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aryl,
heteroaryl, alkylheteroaryl or alkylaryl; and wherein: [0130] i)
R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or [0131] ii) at least one
occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is different to
a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6.
[0132] All of the preferred features defined hereinabove in
relation to the first aspect apply in relation to the second
aspect. In particular, all of the preferred features in relation to
the groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3A, R.sub.3B, R.sub.4, R.sub.5,
E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5, and E.sub.6 apply
equally to the second aspect.
[0133] Preferably Y is selected from hydrogen, lithium, sodium,
potassium, rubidium, caesium, or francium. More preferably Y is
either hydrogen or lithium.
[0134] Preferably both occurrences of R.sub.1 are the same, and are
selected from hydrogen, halide, amino, nitro, sulfoxide, sulfonyl,
sulfinate, silyl, silyl ether and an optionally substituted alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy or alkylthio; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are selected from substituted or
unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene
and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 are N,
NR.sub.4, S or O; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen, or optionally
substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl;
wherein: [0135] iii) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or
[0136] iv) at least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and
E.sub.6 is different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4,
E.sub.5 and E.sub.6.
[0137] More preferably, both occurrences of R, are the same, and
are selected from an optionally substituted alkyl; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3A and R.sub.3B are selected from substituted or
unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene,
and substituted or unsubstituted arylene; each occurrence of
E.sub.3 to E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen,
or optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl; [0138] wherein:
[0139] i) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or [0140] ii) at
least one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6.
[0141] Still more preferably, both occurrences of R.sub.1 are the
same and are tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3A and
R.sub.3B are selected from tertiary butylene, benzylene, ethylene,
propylene, 2,2-dimethylpropylene; each occurrence of E.sub.3 to
E.sub.6 is NR.sub.4; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl,
ethyl, propyl, butyl, or -alkyl-C(O)--OR.sub.19 as defined
hereinabove, preferably methyl propanoate; [0142] wherein: [0143]
i) R.sub.3A is different from R.sub.3B; and/or [0144] ii) at least
one occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5 and E.sub.6 is
different to a remaining occurrence of E.sub.3, E.sub.4, E.sub.5
and E.sub.6.
[0145] More preferably still, the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00024##
wherein: R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl, or butyl; or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00025##
or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00026##
or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00027##
or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00028##
wherein: R.sub.3 is selected from 2,2-dimethylpropylene, propylene,
or ethylene; or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00029##
or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00030##
or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00031##
wherein: R is methyl or hydrogen; or the ligand of formula (II)
is:
##STR00032##
or the ligand of formula (II) is:
##STR00033##
wherein: R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or
butyl. Preferably R.sub.4 is methyl.
[0146] More preferably still, the ligand of formula (II) comprises
at least one N-substituent, and may be selected from:
##STR00034##
wherein: R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl, or butyl; or:
##STR00035##
Wherein
[0147] R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or
butyl. Preferably R.sub.4 is methyl.
[0148] In the third aspect, the invention extends to methods of
preparation of ligands, complexes and catalysts according to the
second aspect and first aspect respectively or as otherwise defined
herein.
[0149] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a process of asymmetric N-substitution of a symmetrical
ligand having a tetraaminophenol coordination sphere, the process
comprising the following steps: [0150] a) protecting at least two
of the amino groups of the coordination sphere of the symmetrical
ligand with an optionally substituted alkylene; [0151] b)
asymmetrically N-substituting one or more of the protected amino
groups of the product of step (a) with a substituent.
[0152] Preferably the symmetrical ligand comprises formula
(IV):
##STR00036##
wherein: R, and R.sub.2 are as defined above in relation to the
second aspect, and R.sub.3 is defined as R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B in
relation to the second aspect.
[0153] More preferably therefore, the symmetrical ligand of formula
(IVa) is:
##STR00037##
[0154] Preferably the optionally substituted alkylene is selected
from an optionally substituted methylene or ethylene.
[0155] Preferably the optionally substituted alkylene is derived
from a protecting reagent. Preferably therefore step (a) comprises
reacting the symmetrical ligand with a protecting reagent
comprising an optionally substituted alkyl group. Preferably the
protecting reagent is an aldehyde, more preferably an aldehyde
selected from formaldehyde or benzaldehyde.
[0156] Preferably step (a) comprises protecting two or more of the
amino groups of the coordination sphere of the symmetrical ligand
by forming bridging groups between the adjacent amino or phenolic
groups. Preferably the bridging groups are the optionally
substituted alkylene, and are selected from an optionally
substituted methylene or ethylene.
[0157] Preferably the product of step (a) comprises a pair of
optionally substituted alkylene bridges between adjacent nitrogen
atoms of the coordination sphere.
[0158] Preferably step (a) is conducted in the presence of a
solvent which may be any suitable solvent for the protecting
reagent, for example methanol or THF.
[0159] Preferably step (a) comprises contact with the protecting
reagent for sufficient time to complete or substantially complete
the reaction. Suitable contact times are between 30 minutes and 15
hours, more preferably for between 2 hours and 8 hours, most
preferably for around 6 hours.
[0160] Preferably step (a) is conducted at a suitable temperature.
Suitable temperatures may be in the range -25 to 75.degree. C., for
example 0 to 50.degree. C., typically 15-30.degree. C. such as room
temperature (around 21.degree. C.).
[0161] Preferably step (b) comprises asymmetrically N-substituting
one or more of the protected amino groups of the product of step
(a) with an N-substituting agent by for example hydroamination with
an alkene (such as an acrylate or acrylonitrile) or by using an
alkylating agent.
[0162] Preferably the substituent is an R.sub.4 group, as defined
hereinabove. Preferably therefore, one or more of the amino groups
is substituted to form an NR.sub.4 group.
[0163] Preferably step (b) comprises asymmetrically N-substituting
one or more of the protected amino groups of the product of step
(a) with a substituent. More preferably step (b) comprises
asymmetrically N-substituting one or more of the protected amino
groups of the product of step (a) with a substituent by reacting
the product of step (a) with an N-substituting agent.
[0164] Preferably the N-substituting agent is an alkylating agent
or an alkene such as an activated alkene for example an alkyl
acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, alkyl vinyl ketone or acrylonitrile,
more preferably the alkylating agent comprises the formula
R.sub.4X. Preferably X is a halide, tosylate or triflate, more
preferably X is iodine. In one preferred embodiment, R.sub.4X is
selected from iodomethane, iodoethane, 1-iodopropane or
1-iodobutane.
[0165] Preferably step (b) is conducted in the presence of a
solvent which may be any suitable solvent for N-substituting agent,
for example methanol, dichloromethane, or THF.
[0166] Preferably step (b) comprises contact with the
N-substituting agent for sufficient time to complete or
substantially complete the reaction. Suitable contact times are
between 12 and 22 hours, more preferably between 14 and 18 hours,
most preferably for around 16 hours.
[0167] Preferably step (b) is conducted at a suitable temperature.
Suitable temperatures may be between 20.degree. C. to 90.degree.
C., more preferably between 23.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., most
preferably at around 25-50.degree. C.
[0168] The method may further comprise step (c) hydrolysing the
optionally substituted alkylene bridging groups between the
adjacent amino groups.
[0169] Preferably the hydrolysing of step (c) is performed by
reacting the product of step (b) with an acid, more preferably with
HCl and subsequently isolating the material Optionally, the method
may further comprise upstream steps of formation of the symmetrical
ligand having a tetraaminophenol coordination sphere.
[0170] Preferably the method further comprises upstream steps of
formation of the symmetrical ligand comprising formula (IV):
##STR00038##
wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above in relation to
the second aspect, and R.sub.3 is defined as R.sub.3A or R.sub.3B
in relation to the second aspect.
[0171] More preferably therefore, the method further comprises
upstream steps of formation of the symmetrical ligand comprising
formula (IVa):
##STR00039##
[0172] Preferably the upstream steps comprise (1) formation of a
symmetrical ligand having a tetraiminophenol coordination sphere,
and (2) reduction of the imine groups to amine groups.
[0173] Preferably upstream step (1) comprises formation of a
symmetrical ligand having a tetraiminophenol coordination sphere
from a compound of formula (III):
##STR00040##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined hereinabove.
[0174] More preferably upstream step (1) comprises reacting a
compound of formula (III) with an amine of formula
H.sub.2N--R.sub.3--NH.sub.2, wherein R.sub.3 is as defined
hereinabove.
[0175] Upstream step (1) may be conducted in the presence of a
suitable solvent, an acid and an electrolyte.
[0176] The solvent may be any suitable solvent for the reactants of
upstream step (1), for example methanol or THF. More preferably the
solvent is methanol.
[0177] Preferably upstream step (2) comprises reacting the product
of upstream step (1) with a reducing agent.
[0178] Suitable reducing agents are known to those skilled in the
art, for example sodium borohydride or hydrogen.
[0179] Preferably upstream step (2) is conducted in the presence of
a solvent, which may be any suitable solvent for the reactants of
upstream step (2), for example methanol or THF. More preferably the
solvent is methanol.
[0180] In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises the
following steps: [0181] (a) forming a symmetrical ligand having a
tetraiminophenol coordination sphere; [0182] (b) reducing the imino
groups of the product of step (a) to amino groups; [0183] (c)
protecting the amino groups of the product of step (b) with an
optionally substituted alkylene; [0184] (d) asymmetrically
N-substituting one or more of the protected amino groups of the
product of step (c) with a substituent; [0185] (e) hydrolysing the
optionally substituted alkylene groups of the product of step (d)
to remove the alkylene bridging group; [0186] (f) optional
neutralisation of the product of step (e).
[0187] In a more preferred embodiment, the process comprises the
following steps: [0188] (a) reacting a compound of formula (III)
with an amine of formula H.sub.2N--R.sub.3--NH.sub.2 to form a
ligand having a tetraiminophenol coordination sphere;
[0188] ##STR00041## [0189] (b) reducing the imino groups of the
product of step (a) to amino groups; [0190] (c) protecting the
amino groups of the product of step (b) by forming bridging groups
between the adjacent amino groups, wherein the bridging groups are
optionally substituted alkylenes; [0191] (d) asymmetrically
N-substituting one or more of the protected amino groups of the
product of step (c) with an N-substituting agent; [0192] (e)
hydrolysing the optionally substituted alkylene groups of the
product of step (d); [0193] (f) optional neutralisation of the
product of step (e); [0194] wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3,
R.sub.4 and X are as defined in relation to the second aspect.
[0195] Preferably the asymmetrical ligand produced is that
according to the second aspect.
[0196] Preferably, the ligand according to the second aspect is
that of formula (IIa):
##STR00042##
wherein: R.sub.1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is
2,2-dimethylpropylene; and R.sub.4 is selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl, or butyl.
[0197] Preferably in formula IV, R1 is tertiary butyl; R.sub.2 is
hydrogen; R.sub.3 is 2,2-dimethylpropylene.
[0198] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the catalysts of the
first aspect are capable of polymerising (i) carbon dioxide and an
epoxide, (ii) an epoxide and an anhydride, and (iii) a lactide
and/or a lactone. Therefore, in a fifth aspect of the invention
there is provided a process for the reaction of carbon dioxide with
an epoxide, an anhydride with an epoxide, or a lactide and/or a
lactone in the presence of a catalyst according to the first
aspect.
[0199] The process of the fifth aspect may be carried out in the
presence of a chain transfer agent. Suitable chain transfer agents
include the chain transfer agents, for example as defined by
formula (II), in WO 2013/034750, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference. For example, the chain transfer
agent may be water, or may comprise at least one amine (--NHR),
alcohol (--OH) or thiol (--SH) moiety.
[0200] Examples of chain transfer agents useful in the second
aspect include water, mono-alcohols (i.e. alcohols with one OH
group, for example, 4-ethylbenzenesulfonic acid, methanol, ethanol,
propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, phenol, cyclohexanol), diols
(for example, 1,2-ethanediol, 1-2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol,
1,2-butanediol, 1-3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol,
1,6-hexanediol, 1,2-diphenol, 1,3-diphenol, 1,4-diphenol, catechol
and cyclohexenediol), triols (glycerol, benzenetriol,
1,2,4-butanetriol, tris(methylalcohol)propane,
tris(methylalcohol)ethane, tris(methylalcohol)nitropropane,
trimethylolpropane, preferably glycerol or benzenetriol), tetraols
(for example, calix[4]arene,
2,2-bis(methylalcohol)-1,3-propanediol, di(trimethylolpropane)),
polyols (for example, D-(+)-glucose, dipentaerythritol or
D-sorbitol), dihydroxy terminated polyesters (for example
polylactic acid), dihydroxy terminated polyethers (for example
poly(ethylene glycol)), acids (such as diphenylphosphinic acid),
starch, lignin, mono-amines (i.e. methylamine, dimethylamine,
ethylamine, diethylamine, propylamine, dipropylamine, butylamine,
dibutylamine, pentylamine, dipentylamine, hexylamine,
dihexylamine), diamines (for example 1,4-butanediamine), triamines,
diamine terminated polyethers, diamine terminated polyesters,
mono-carboxylic acids (for example, 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzoic acid),
dicarboxylic acids (for example, maleic acid, malonic acid,
succinic acid, glutaric acid or terephthalic acid, preferably
maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid),
tricarboxylic acids (for example, citric acid,
1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid or 1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylic
acid, preferably citric acid), mono-thiols, dithoils, trithiols,
and compounds having a mixture of hydroxyl, amine, carboxylic acid
and thiol groups, for example lactic acid, glycolic acid,
3-hydroxypropionic acid, natural amino acids, unnatural amino
acids, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and
polysaccharides (including pyranose and furanose forms).
Preferably, the chain transfer agent is selected from cyclohexene
diol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, tris(methylalcohol)propane,
tri(methylalcohol)propane, tri(methylalcohol)butane,
pentaerythritol, poly(propylene glycol), glycerol, mono- and
di-ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,
tris(methylalcohol)nitropropane, tris(methylalcohol)ethane,
2,2-bis(methylalcohol)-1,3-propanediol, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic
acid, 1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid, 1,4-butanediamine,
1,6-hexanediol, D-sorbitol, 1-butylamine, terephthalic acid,
D-(+)-glucose, 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzoic acid, and water.
[0201] The process of the fifth aspect may be carried out in the
presence of a solvent. Examples of solvents useful in the third
aspect include toluene, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate,
dioxane, dichlorobenzene, methylene chloride, propylene carbonate,
ethylene carbonate, acetone, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran (THF),
etc.
[0202] When the process of the fifth aspect involves the reaction
of an epoxide, the epoxide may be any compound comprising an
epoxide moiety. The epoxide may be purified (for example by
distillation, such as over calcium hydride) prior to reaction with
carbon dioxide or the anhydride. For example, the epoxide may be
distilled prior to being added to the reaction mixture comprising
the catalyst.
[0203] The process of the fifth aspect of the invention may be
carried out at a pressure of 1 to 100 atmospheres, preferably at 1
to 40 atmospheres, such as at 1 to 20 atmospheres, more preferably
at 1 or 10 atmospheres. The catalysts used in the process of the
second aspect allow the reaction to be carried out at low
pressures.
[0204] The process of the fifth aspect of the invention may be
carried out at a temperature of about 0.degree. C. to about
250.degree. C., preferably from about 40.degree. C. to about
160.degree. C., even more preferably from about 50.degree. C. to
about 120.degree. C. The duration of the process may be up to 168
hours, such as from about 1 minute to about 24 hours, for example
from about 5 minutes to about 12 hours, e.g. from about 1 to about
6 hours.
[0205] The process temperature, for copolymerisations of carbon
dioxide and an epoxide, may be used to control the product
composition. When the temperature of the process of the fifth
aspect which involves reacting carbon dioxide and an epoxide is
increased, the selectivity of the catalyst towards the formation of
cyclic carbonate is also increased. The catalysts and processes may
operate at temperatures up to 250.degree. C.
[0206] The process of the fifth aspect of the invention may be
carried out at low catalytic loading. For example, when the
reaction involves copolymerisation of carbon dioxide and an
epoxide, the catalytic loading for the process is preferably in the
range of 1:1,000-300,000 catalyst:epoxide, more preferably in the
region of 1:10,000-100,000 catalyst:epoxide, even more preferably
in the region of 1:50,000-100,000 catalyst:epoxide. When the
process involves copolymerisation of an epoxide and an anhydride,
or the reaction of a lactide and/or lactone, the catalytic loading
for the process is preferably in the range of 1:1,000-300,000
catalyst:total monomer content, more preferably in the region of
1:10,000-100,000 catalyst:total monomer content, even more
preferably in the region of 1:50,000-100,000 catalyst:total monomer
content. The ratios above are molar ratios.
[0207] The catalysts of the first aspect, and in particular
catalysts wherein both M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are selected from Ni(II)
and Mg(II), have high activity and selectivity for producing
polycarbonates by reacting carbon dioxide and an epoxide,
optionally in the presence of a chain transfer agent, and
preferably at temperatures between about 40.degree. C. to about
160.degree. C. Thus, the reaction times for the process of the
second aspect can be less than 12 hours, and preferably from about
2 to about 6 hours.
[0208] The process of the fifth aspect can be carried out in a
batch reactor or a continuous reactor.
[0209] It will be appreciated that the various features described
above for the process of the fifth aspect may be present in
combination mutatis mutandis. All preferred features of the first
aspect apply equally to the fifth aspect and may be present in
combination mutatis mutandis.
[0210] The sixth aspect of the invention provides a product of the
process of the fifth aspect of the invention. All preferred
features of the fifth aspect of the invention apply to the sixth
aspect of the invention mutatis mutandis.
[0211] When the process of the fifth aspect is carried out in the
presence of a chain transfer agent, it produces polymer chains
which are terminated at substantially all ends with hydroxyl groups
(i.e. polycarbonate polyols or polyester polyols). By
"substantially", it is meant that at least 90% of the resultant
polymer chains, preferably at least 95% of the resultant polymer
chains, and even more preferably at least 98%, and even more
preferably at least about 99% of the resultant polymer chains are
terminated at all ends in hydroxyl groups. In order for at least
90% of the resultant polymer chains to be terminated at all ends
with hydroxyl groups, it is preferred for the process of the second
aspect to be carried out in the presence of at least about 4
equivalents of chain transfer agent, relative to the amount of
catalyst. In order for at least 95% of the resultant polymer chains
to be terminated at all ends with hydroxyl groups, it is preferred
for the process of the second aspect to be carried out in the
presence of at least about 10 equivalents of chain transfer agent,
relative to the amount of catalyst. In order for at least 98% of
the resultant polymer chains to be terminated at all ends with
hydroxyl groups, it is preferred for the process of the fifth
aspect to be carried out in the presence of at least about 20
equivalents of chain transfer agent, relative to the amount of
catalyst. Thus, polyols obtained by the process of the fifth aspect
are considered to form part of the sixth aspect of the
invention.
[0212] The chain transfer agent referred to in the fifth aspect may
be used to control the molecular weight (M.sub.n) of the polymer
products of the sixth aspect. Preferably, the molecular weight
(M.sub.n) of the polymer products of the sixth aspect is greater
than about 200 g/mol. The molecular weight (M.sub.n) of the polymer
products of the sixth aspect may be from about 200 g/mol to about
200,000 g/mol. The molecular weight of the polymers produced by the
fifth aspect can be measured by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
using, for example, a GPC-60 manufactured by Polymer Labs, using
THF as the eluent at a flow rate of 1 ml/min on Mixed B columns,
manufactured by Polymer Labs. Narrow molecular weight polystyrene
standards can be used to calibrate the instrument.
[0213] It is possible to produce polycarbonate polyols and
polyester polyols having a M.sub.n of from about 200 g/mol to about
20,000 g/mol, preferably less than about 10,000 g/mol by adding a
chain transfer agent to the process of the fifth aspect.
[0214] It is also possible to produce polymers having a M.sub.n of
greater than about 20,000 g/mol from the process of the fifth
aspect. Preferably, the polymer having a M.sub.n of greater than
about 20,000 g/mol is a polycarbonate or a polyester, even more
preferably a polycarbonate. Preferably, the polymer having a
M.sub.n of greater than about 20,000 g/mol is a polycarbonate and
is produced carrying out the process of the fifth aspect without
adding a chain transfer agent (CTA).
[0215] The polymers produced by the fifth aspect may be produced to
have a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than about 2, more
preferably less than about 1.5, and even more preferably less than
about 1.2. Furthermore, it is possible to control the molecular
weight distribution so as to produce multi-modal or broad molecular
weight distribution polymers by addition of one or more chain
transfer agent(s).
[0216] The polymers produced by the process of the fifth aspect
(e.g. polycarbonates such as PCHC or PPC), are useful building
blocks in the preparation of various copolymeric materials. The
polymers produced by the process of the fifth aspect may undergo
further reaction, for example to produce polymeric products such as
polyureas or polyamines. These processes and reactions are well
known to the skilled person (for example, refer to
WO2013/034750).
[0217] The polycarbonate or polyester polyols produced by the
process of the fifth aspect may be used in various applications and
products which conventionally use polyols, including adhesives
(such as hot melt adhesives and structural adhesives), a binder
(such as forest product binders, foundry core binders and rubber
crumb binders), coatings (such as powder coatings, transport, e.g.
automotive or marine coatings, fast cure coatings, self-healing
coatings, top coats and primers, varnishes, and coatings for marine
applications, e.g. oil rigs), elastomers (such as cast elastomers,
fibres/spandex elastomers, footwear elastomers, RIM/RRIM
elastomers, synthetic leather elastomers, technical microcellular
elastomers and TPU elastomers), flexible foams (such as
viscoelastic foams), rigid foams (such as rigid and flexible
panels, moulded rigid foams, aerosol gap filling foam, spray foams,
refrigeration foams, pour-in-place foams, and foam slabs) and
sealants (such as glazing sealants for commercial, industrial and
transport (e.g. automotive) applications, and construction
sealants). The polyamines and polyureas can be processed using
methods standard techniques known in the art, such as foaming.
[0218] It will be understood that the polycarbonate and polyester
polyols produced by the process of the fifth aspect may be mixed
with other polyols prior to further use or reaction.
[0219] The polycarbonates, and in particular, polycarbonates having
a M.sub.n of greater than about 20,000 g/mol (e.g. produced without
adding chain transfer agent to the process of the fifth aspect) may
have a number of beneficial properties including high strength,
high toughness, high gloss, high transparency, low haze, high gas
(e.g. oxygen and carbon dioxide) or water barrier properties, flame
resistance, UV resistance, high durability, rigidity and stiffness,
compatibility with plasticizers, broad dimensional stability
temperature, biodegradability and biocompatibility, and modulus of
elasticity and yield strength comparable to LDPE. Thus, these
polymers may be used in various applications and products, such as
electronic components, construction materials, data storage
products, automotive and aircraft products, security components,
medical applications, mobile phones, packaging (including bottles),
optical applications (such as safety glass, windscreens, etc).
EXAMPLE
Example 1: Synthesis of Asymmetric Ligands H.sub.2L.sup.1-4
##STR00043##
[0221] Ligands H.sub.2L.sup.1-4 were prepared by the following
method:
[0222] A tetraaminophenol ligand may be formed by the following
process (steps 1 and 2):
[0223] To a round-bottomed flask was added
4-tert-butyl-2,6-diformylphenol (1.20 g, 5.80 mmol), NaClO.sub.4
(2.81 g, 23.2 mmol), acetic acid (0.66 mL, 11.6 mmol) and methanol
(90 mL). This solution was heated to 70.degree. C. whilst stirring,
as the solution started to boil, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine
(0.70 mL, 5.8 mmol) was added slowly in methanol (30 mL). The
yellow reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature,
and left stirring for 24 hours, after which a bright orange
precipitate was filtered and washed with cold (-78.degree. C.)
methanol (1.85 g, 95%). The product was suspended in methanol (180
mL). The suspension was cooled to 0.degree. C. and NaBH.sub.4 (2.65
g, 69.9 mmol) was added slowly. As NaBH.sub.4 was added, the
red-orange suspension turned to a clear solution. Water was added
slowly, and the solution turned cloudy. Once precipitate started to
form, the mixture was left overnight and H.sub.2L.sup.11 was
filtered off as a white solid (1.21 g, 88%).
[0224] To a solution of the resulting product (20.8 mmol) in
methanol (500 mL) was added a formaldehyde solution (37% in water,
104 mmol) at room temperature (RT). The reaction was stirred at RT
for 15 h after which the reaction mixture was filtered and the
filter cake was washed with MeOH and water. The resultant white
powder was transferred to a round bottom flask. Toluene was added
and evaporated under reduced pressure to azeotrope off the residual
water giving the desired product as a white powder (17.2 mmol).
R.sub.4X (iodomethane, iodoethane, 1-iodopropane or 1-iodobutane,
104 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of this white powder
(10.4 mmol) in anhydrous THF (120 mL) at 25.degree. C. until the
reaction was deemed to be complete. A white precipitate formed in
the reaction mixture and was collected by suction filtration. The
filter cake was washed with THF. The resultant white powder was
transferred to a round bottom flask and dried under high vacuum for
several hours. This was dissolved (7.3 mmol) in MeOH and
concentrated HCl.sub.(aq) (1:1) and placed in a heating block set
to 75.degree. C. whilst refluxing and stirred for 15 h. After this
time, the slightly yellow solution was allowed to cool to RT and
was neutralized with a saturated aqueous solution of
K.sub.2CO.sub.3, inducing the product to precipitate out of
solution as a white solid. This solid was collected and dried.
[0225] H.sub.2L.sup.1: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.05 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, J=2.5 Hz,
1H), 6.85 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 3.74 (s, 2H), 3.61 (s, 2H), 3.54 (s,
2H), 3.51 (s, 2H), 2.50 (s, 2H), 2.39 (s, 2H), 2.37 (s, 2H), 2.29
(s, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.30 (3) (s, 9H), 1.29 (6) (s, 9H), 0.93 (s,
6H), 0.92 (s, 6H).
[0226] MS (ESI) m/z: 567.5 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%).
[0227] H.sub.2L.sup.2: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.08 (m, 2H), 6.87 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 3.58 (s, 2H), 3.53 (s,
4H), 2.55 (s, 2H), 2.53 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (s, 2H), 2.33 (s,
4H), 1.34 (s, 9H), 1.33 (s, 9H), 1.07 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H), 0.94 (s,
6H), 0.92 (s, 6H).
[0228] MS (ESI) m/z: 581.5 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%).
[0229] H.sub.2L.sup.3: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.11 (m, 2H), 6.84 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 2H), 3.52 (s, 2H), 3.50 (m,
4H), 2.54 (s, 2H), 2.48 (m, 2H), 2.38 (s, 2H), 2.32 (s, 2H), 2.30
(s, 2H), 2.20 (s, 2H), 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.34 (s, 18H), 0.93 (s, 6H),
0.91 (s, 6H).
[0230] MS (ESI) m/z: 595.5 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%), 581.5
([M-CH.sub.3+H].sup.+, 30%).
[0231] H.sub.2L.sup.4: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.11 (m, 2H), 6.83 (m, 2H), 3.75 (s, 2H), 3.51 (m, 6H), 2.53 (s,
2H), 2.49 (m, 2H), 2.38 (s, 2H), 2.32 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 2H), 1.55
(m, 2H), 1.34 (s, 18H), 0.94 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 0.93 (s, 6H), 0.91
(s, 6H).
[0232] MS (ESI) m/z: 609.5 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%), 595.5
([M-CH.sub.3+H].sup.+, 10%), 581.5 ([M-CH.sub.2CH.sub.3+H].sup.+,
10%).
Example 2: Synthesis of Asymmetric Ligand H.sub.2L.sup.5
##STR00044##
[0234] 4-tert-butyl-2,6-diformylphenol (4 mmol) and
1,3-diamino-2,2-dimethylpropane (2 mmol) were each dissolved in
EtOH (15 mL and 10 mL respectively). The solutions were warmed to
boiling then the solution of amine added dropwise with stirring
giving an immediate colour change to a deeper yellow. After
stirring overnight the precipitate was collected, washed with cold
ethanol (2.times.5 mL), pentane (1.times.5 mL) then dried under
vacuum, giving 4. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 14.45 (br s,
2H), 10.56 (s, 2H), 8.45 (s, 2H), 7.94 (s, 2H), 7.55 (s, 2H), 3.58
(s, 4H), 1.34 (s, 18H), 1.15 (s, 6H).
[0235] 4 (0.4 mmol) was dissolved in THF (10 mL) and treated with
LiHMDS (0.8 mmol) in THE (3 mL) causing the bright yellow solution
to change to a greenish yellow solution. After 30 mins a solution
of 1,2-diaminobenzene (0.4 mmol) was added in THF (10 mL) over 10
mins with rapid stirring. After stirring overnight the colour had
again returned to bright yellow. The solution was concentrated to 2
mL and layered with heptane (10 mL) and allowed to stand. The
yellow solid that precipitated after 1 day was collected and washed
with pentane (2.times.5 mL) then dried under vacuum. .sup.1H NMR
(CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 9.51 (s, 2H), 7.91 (s, 2H), 7.45 (d, 2H),
7.38 (d, 2H), 6.74 (s, 4H), 3.4 (br s, 4H), 1.34 (s, 18H), 0.62 (s,
6H).
[0236] 5 (0.2 mmol) was dissolved in dry MeOH (25 mL) under
nitrogen in a dried 3-neck round-bottomed flask. HCl in EtOH was
added (1.2 mmol) and the solution stirred for 10 minutes before
NaBH.sub.4 (2 mmol) was added in portions. The solution was stirred
for 2 hours after which the solvent was removed under vacuum. Water
(20 mL) was added to the crude and the pH brought up to 6-7 by
adding AcOH dropwise. The product (H.sub.2L.sup.510) was extracted
with DCM (2.times.25 mL), dried over NaSO.sub.4 and the solvent
removed under vacuum.
[0237] .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 7.2-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.19 (s,
1H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 6.85-6.95 (m, 4H), 4.32 (s, 4H), 4.26 (br s,
2H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 2.59 (s, 4H), 2.42 (s, 2H), 1.32 (s, 18H), 1.16
(s, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 154.4, 141.7, 138.0,
129.2, 128.4, 126.9, 125.4, 125.1, 124.9, 122.4, 119.2, 111.3,
59.5, 54.2, 46.5, 35.1, 34.1, 31.7, 24.6.
Example 3: Synthesis of Asymmetric Ligand H.sub.2L.sup.6
##STR00045##
[0239] The asymmetric ligand H.sub.2L.sup.6 was prepared using the
following method:
[0240] B was formed by reacting 4-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde (15
mmol) with piperazine (7.5 mmol) and formaldehyde (15 mmol) in
glacial acetic acid (25 mL) at 120.degree. C. The white precipitate
was collected and washed with ethanol and diethyl ether.
[0241] A solution of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (6.4 mmol) in
MeOH (60 mL) was added dropwise over 6 h to a refluxing solution of
B(6.4 mmol) in MeOH (300 mL). After a further 10 h reflux, the
solution was cooled to RT and the bright yellow supernatant
decanted from a bright yellow solid. The residue was re-dissolved
in DCM and co-evaporated with MeOH until a yellow precipitate
formed. The resulting solids were collected by filtration, washed
with MeOH, pentane and dried under high vacuum for 2 h. This gave a
yellow powder (5.0 mmol). A solution of this yellow powder in
THF/MeOH (3:1) was treated with solid NaBH.sub.4. The resulting
white suspension was allowed to stir for 1 h at RT, then
partitioned between NaHCO.sub.3 (2M, aq) and DCM. The organic phase
was separated and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, then evaporated to
dryness to yield H.sub.2L.sup.6.
[0242] H.sub.2L.sup.6: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.14-7.05 (m, 2H), 7.05-6.96 (m, 2H), 5.37-5.27 (s, 4H), 3.89-3.81
(s, 4H), 3.70-3.63 (s, 4H), 2.67-2.62 (s, 4H), 2.55-2.49 (s, 2H),
1.35 (s, 18H), 0.99-0.90 (s, 6H).
Example 4: Synthesis of Asymmetric Ligand H.sub.2L.sup.7
##STR00046##
[0244] The asymmetric ligand H.sub.2L.sup.7 was prepared using the
following method:
[0245] C was prepared by reacting 4-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde (129
mmol) with formaldehyde (193 mmol) in HBr (48% aq, 970 mmol) with a
few catalytic drops of H.sub.2SO.sub.4 at 70.degree. C. for 16
hours. The solution was cooled, diluted and extracted with
methylene chloride (30 mL), giving C.
N,N'-dimethyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine was prepared by
reaction of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (166 mmol) with ethyl
formate (80 mL) followed by reduction with LiAlH.sub.4 (10 g) in
diethyl ether (250 mL).
[0246] A solution of
3-(bromomethyl)-2-hydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzaldehyde C (48.4 mmol) in
THF (40 mL) was added to a stirred solution of
N,N'-dimethyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (22.0 mmol) in THF
(20 mL) giving a yellow suspension. A solution of triethylamine
(61.6 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture
was stirred for 2 h after which time it was partitioned between
EtOAc and water. The organic extracts were combined, and dried over
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 before evaporation to dryness to yield an orange
oil. The crude product was dissolved in MeOH (50 mL) and treated
with a solution of LiOH (88 mmol) in MeOH (75 mL). After standing
overnight the yellow crystalline precipitate was isolated by
filtration, washed with ice cold MeOH and dried under high vacuum
overnight. This gave a yellow microcrystalline solid (27.6 mmol). A
solution of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (3.52 mmol) in EtOH (18
mL) was added dropwise over 6 h to a suspension of the latter
yellow microcrystalline solid (3.49 mmol) and the resulting yellow
solution was allowed to stir for a further 8 h. The solvent was
removed completely and the yellow solid residue was suspended in
pentane and collected by filtration, washed with pentane and dried
under high vacuum for 2 h. This gave a yellow powder (2.8 mmol). A
suspension of this yellow powder in dry EtOH was treated with a
solution of HCl in diethyl ether (2M). Next, solid NaBH.sub.4 was
added in one portion. The resulting white suspension was allowed to
stir for 1 h at RT then partitioned between NaHCO.sub.3 (2M, aq)
and DCM. The organic phase was separated and dried over
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 then evaporated to dryness to yield
H.sub.2L.sup.7.
[0247] H.sub.2L.sup.7: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.05-6.95 (m, 4H), 5.37-5.27 (s, 4H), 3.81-3.74 (s, 4H), 3.72-3.65
(s, 4H), 2.52-2.45 (s, 4H), 2.45-2.40 (s, 4H), 2.29-2.24 (s, 6H),
1.34-1.24 (s, 18H), 1.01-0.92 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 6H).
Example 5: Synthesis of asymmetric ligands
Li.sub.2L.sub.imine.sup.8-10 and H.sub.2L.sup.9-10
##STR00047##
[0249] The asymmetric ligands Li.sub.2L.sub.imine.sup.8-10 and
H.sub.2L.sup.9-10 were prepared using the following method:
[0250] Preparation of Li.sub.2L.sub.imine.sup.8-10:
[0251] To a solution of D (56.3 mmol) in EtOH (500 mL) was added
2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (28.2 mmol) and MgSO.sub.4 (281.5
mmol). Reaction mixture was stirred 3 h at RT. After this time,
reaction medium was filtered, filter cake was washed with DCM, and
the mother liquor was evaporated in vacuo to yield a yellow solid.
The latter was solubilised in MeOH, and the reaction medium was
cooled to 0.degree. C. NaBH.sub.4 (258.0 mmol) was added by
portion. Reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight at RT.
After this time, solvents were evaporated in vacuo. DCM and water
were added, phases were separated, and the aqueous phase was
extracted with DCM. The organic layers were combined and dried over
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.
[0252] Solvents were evaporated in vacuo to yield a product that
was purified by recrystallization (DCM/MeOH, 20.9 mmol). To a
solution of this purified product (17.5 mmol) in THF (200 mL) was
added HCl (1M, 400 mL). Reaction mixture was refluxed overnight.
After this time, DCM was added, phases were separated, and the
aqueous phase was extracted with DCM. The organic layers were
combined and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. Solvents were evaporated
in vacuo to yield a crude product that was purified by
recrystallization (DCM/heptane, 15.9 mmol). The latter product (9
mmol) was next solubilised in MeOH (150 mL) and LIOH (36 mmol) was
added. Reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at RT. After this time,
a yellow precipitate had formed, was collected by filtration, and
washed with ice-cold MeOH. To a suspension of this yellow product
(1 equiv.) in MeOH was added dropwise and over 6 h a solution of
the appropriate diamine (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine,
1,3-propanediamine or ethylenediamine, 1 equiv.) in MeOH at RT.
Reaction mixture was then stirred overnight at RT. After this time,
a yellow precipitate had formed, was collected by filtration, and
washed with ice-cold MeOH. Products were identified as
Li.sub.2L.sub.imine.sup.810.
[0253] Preparation of H.sub.2L.sup.9-10:
[0254] To a suspension of Li.sub.2L.sub.imine.sup.9-10 (1 equiv.)
in MeOH was added HCl (1.25M in EtOH, 6 equiv.) and NaBH.sub.4 (20
equiv.). Reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT. After this
time, solvents were evaporated in vacuo. DCM and water were added,
phases were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with
DCM. The organic layers were combined, washed with brine and dried
over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. Solvents were evaporated in vacuo to yield
H.sub.2L.sup.9-10.
[0255] H.sub.2L.sup.9: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
6.96 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 8H), 2.65
(t, J=6.5 Hz, 4H), 2.51 (s, 4H), 1.78-1.73 (m, 2H), 1.25 (s, 18H),
1.01 (s, 6H).
[0256] MS (ESI) m/z: 525.4 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%)
[0257] H.sub.2L.sup.10: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
6.97 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 3.82 (s, 4H), 3.80
(s, 4H), 2.84 (s, 4H), 2.52 (s, 4H), 1.26 (s, 18H), 0.97 (s, 6H).
MS (ESI) m/z: 511.3 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%)
Example 6: synthesis of asymmetric ligands H.sub.2L.sup.12-13
##STR00048##
[0259] The asymmetric ligands H.sub.2L.sup.12-13 were prepared
using the following methods:
[0260] For the preparation of H.sub.2L.sup.11, see example 1.
[0261] Preparation of H.sub.2L.sup.12:
[0262] To a solution of H.sub.2L.sup.11 (5.4 mmol) in MeOH (100 mL)
was added benzaldehyde (6.5 mmol) and the reaction stirred at RT
for 3 h. The white precipitate formed was isolated by filtration
and washed with cold MeOH (3.78 mmol). A solution of this white
product (0.78 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) and DCM (5 mL) was treated with
methyl acrylate (0.94 mmol) and the reaction stirred at RT for 16 h
after which the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield a white
powder (0.74 mmol). To a solution of this white powder (0.14 mmol)
in THF (10 mL) was added aq. 1M HCl until pH 3 was obtained (ca. 4
mL) and the reaction stirred at RT for 3 h. Neutralisation with aq.
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 followed by extraction with DCM afforded
H.sub.2L.sup.12 (0.04 mmol).
[0263] MS (ES/CI) m/z: 639.4 ([M+H].sup.+, 100%)
[0264] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 3300, 2955, 2907, 2869,
1741, 1611, 1465, 1395, 1362, 1298, 1216.
[0265] Preparation of H.sub.2L.sup.13:
[0266] To a solution of H.sub.2L.sup.11 (9.0 mmol) in MeOH (125 mL)
was added methyl acrylate (19.0 mmol) and the reaction stirred at
RT for 16 h. The white solid formed was isolated by filtration and
washed with cold MeOH. Recrystallisation from hot EtOH gave
H.sub.2L.sup.13.
[0267] H.sub.2L.sup.13: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta.
7.33 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 6.75 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s, 6H), 3.42
(br s, 4H), 3.20 (br s, 4H), 2.94 (br s, 4H), 2.69 (t, J=2.7 Hz,
4H), 2.32 (br s, 4H), 1.42 (s, 18H), 0.88 (s, 12H), 0.24 (br s,
4H).
[0268] MS (ES/CI) m/z: 725.3 ([M].sup.+, 100%)
[0269] IR (cm.sup.-1, neat): 3301, 2955, 2907, 2869, 1741, 1480,
1216, 1100.
Example 7: synthesis of asymmetric ligands H.sub.2L.sup.14-15
##STR00049##
[0271] The ligands H.sub.2L.sup.14-15 were prepared by the
following method:
[0272] 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanethiol (5 mmol) was added to a
stirred and degassed solution of KOH (20 mmol) in ethanol (50 ml).
The mixture was stirred until all components form a homogeneous
solution. Then C (10 mmol) was added as a solid to the reaction
which slowly dissolves to form a bright yellow solution. The
reaction was allowed to stir under nitrogen atmosphere for 20 h. 1M
HCl.sub.(aq) was then added until the reaction mixture reached
acidicity (pH=2) and formed a white suspension. This mixture was
extracted with DCM, the organic extracts combined and concentrated
in vacuo to give an oil. This was purified on silica. A solution of
2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (3.4 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was
added dropwise to a stirred solution of this purified oil (2.8
mmol) in MeOH (200 ml) at RT under air. The reaction was allowed to
stir for 20 h at RT, during which time a yellow precipitate formed.
The precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with cold
MeOH, affording a yellow solid. A MeOH solution (50 mL) of this
yellow product (1.9 mmol) was prepared under nitrogen and allowed
to stir at RT. Under a flow of nitrogen, NaBH.sub.4 (19.0 mmol) was
added portion-wise as a solid and the mixture allowed to stir for a
further 16 h. The resulting colourless solution was then quenched
by the addition of water. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc, the
organic fractions combined, washed with water and saturated aqueous
NaCl solution and all volatiles were removed in vacuo to afford
H.sub.2L.sup.14
[0273] H.sub.2L.sup.14: .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400.1 MHz):
.delta. 7.16 (m, 2H), 6.89 (m, 2H), 3.93 (m, 2H), 3.71 (m, 6H),
2.56 (s, 4H), 2.50 (s, 4H), 1.26 (s, 18H), 0.98 (d, 12H)
[0274] MS (CI) m/z: 587.4 [M+H].sup.+
##STR00050##
[0275] 1,3-propanedithiol (0.56 mL, 5.5 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH
(50 mL) in a fumecupboard. A solution of C (3 g, 11.1 mmol) in EtOH
(50 mL) was added dropwise over 15 minutes and the mixture stirred
overnight. The solvent was removed under vacuum and distilled water
(50 mL) was added. The product was extracted with DCM (2.times.30
mL), dried over NaSO.sub.4 and the solvent removed under vacuum.
The product (was purified by column chromatography (95:5
Cyclohexane:EtOAc) to give a light yellow oil (54%) .sup.1H NMR
(CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 11.22 (s, 2H), 9.90 (s, 2H), 7.60 (d, 2H),
7.45 (d, 2H), 3.79 (s, 4H), 2.61 (t, 4H), 1.93 (q, 2H), 1.35 (s,
18H).
[0276] The half macrocycle (0.484 g, 0.99 mmol) was dissolved in
MeOH (35 mL). A solution of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propane (0.12 mL, 0.99
mmol) in MeOH (25 mL) was added dropwise over 30 minutes and the
solution stirred overnight. A yellow precipitate was filtered off
and washed with MeOH. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 13.74 (br
s, 2H), 8.34 (s, 2H), 7.37 (s, 2H), 7.17 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 4H),
3.48 (s, 4H), 2.64 (t, 4H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.31 (s, 18H), 1.08 (s,
6H).
[0277] The yellow precipitate (0.25 g, 0.44 mmol) was dissolved in
dry MeOH (50 mL) before NaBH.sub.4 (0.2 g, 4.4 mmol) was added in
portions. The solution was stirred for 2 hours after which the
solvent was removed under vacuum. Water (50 mL) was added to the
crude and the pH brought up to 6-7 by adding AcOH dropwise. The
product (H.sub.2L.sup.15) was extracted with DCM (2.times.25 mL),
dried over NaSO4 and the solvent removed under vacuum.
[0278] .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.: 7.22 (s, 2H), 6.88 (s,
2H), 4.01 (s, 4H), 3.66 (s, 4H), 2.50 (s, 4H), 2.38 (t, 4H), 1.6
(q, 2H), 1.29 (s, 18H), 1.06 (s, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3)
.delta.: 153.3, 141.6, 126.6, 125.3, 123.8, 121.0, 57.6, 54.0,
34.7, 34.0, 31.6, 30.3, 29.8, 29.5, 24.5. ESI-MS: 559.3
([M+H].sup.+, 100%).
Example 8: Synthesis of [L.sup.1-15M.sub.2(X.sub.2)] catalysts
##STR00051##
[0280] The complexes [L.sup.1-15M.sub.2(X.sub.2)] were prepared
using the following method:
[0281] General Procedure:
[0282] To a suspension of H.sub.2L.sup.15 (1 equiv.) in MeOH was
added the appropriate metal precursor M(X).sub.2 (2 equiv.;
Ni(OAc).sub.2.4H.sub.2O, Mg(OAc).sub.2.4H.sub.2O or
Zn(OAc).sub.2.2H.sub.2O). Reaction mixture was stirred overnight at
RT. After this time, solvents were evaporated and excess water/AcOH
was removed by azeotrope with toluene to yield the desired
complexes [L.sup.1-15M.sub.2(X).sub.2].
[0283] [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES) m/z: 741.3
([M-OAc].sup.+, 100%).
[0284] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1581, 1410.
[0285] [L.sup.2Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES/CI) m/z: 753.2
([M-OAc].sup.+, 100%).
[0286] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1581, 1413.
[0287] [L.sup.2Zn.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES/CI) m/z: 751.2
([M-2AcO.sup.-+HCO.sub.2.sup.-].sup.+, 100%).
[0288] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1603, 1383.
[0289] [L.sup.3Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES/CI) m/z: 767.2
([M-OAc].sup.+, 100%).
[0290] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1581, 1413.
[0291] [L.sup.3Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD)
.delta. 7.02 (m, 4H), 3.74 (d, J=18.9 Hz, 4H), 3.6 (d, J=8.9 Hz,
4H), 2.46 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 4H), 2.44 (m, 2H), 2.41 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H),
1.90 (s, 6H), 1.54 (m, 2H), 1.30 (s, 9H), 1.28 (s, 9H), 0.96 (s,
6H), 0.95 (s, 6H), 0.84 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).
[0292] MS (ES/CI) m/z: 685.3 ([M-2OAc].sup.+, 100%).
[0293] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1607, 1395.
[0294] [L.sup.4Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES/CI) m/z: 781.2
([M-OAc].sup.+, 100%).
[0295] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1581, 1413.
[0296] [L.sup.7Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES/CI) m/z: 739.2
([M-2OAc+O.sub.2CH].sup.+, 100%).
[0297] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1581, 1414.
[0298] [L.sup.9Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz,
CD.sub.3OD) .delta. 7.01 (s, 4H), 4.00 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (d,
J=3.7 Hz, 2H), 3.27 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 2H), 3.21 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 2H),
3.05-2.99 (m, 2H), 2.79-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.64 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 2H),
1.94-1.76 (m, br, 4H), 1.25 (s, 18H), 1.23 (s, 3H), 1.01 (s,
3H).
[0299] MS (ESI) m/z: 615.3 ([M-2AcO.sup.-+HCO.sub.2.sup.-].sup.+,
100%).
[0300] [L.sup.9Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ESI) m/z: 683.2
([M-2AcO.sup.-+HCO.sub.2.sup.-].sup.+, 100%). IR (.nu..sub.C=O,
cm.sup.-1, neat): 1566, 1477.
[0301] [L.sup.9Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ESI) m/z: 683.2
([M-2AcO+HCO.sub.2.sup.-].sup.+, 100%). IR (.nu..sub.C=O,
cm.sup.-1, neat): 1566, 1477.
[0302] [L.sup.10Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ESI) m/z: 669.1
([M-2OAc+O.sub.2CH].sup.+, 100%). IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1,
neat): 1566, 1477.
[0303] [L.sup.13Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (ES/CI) m/z: 855.2
([M-2AcO.sup.--2CH.sub.3+HCO.sub.2].sup.+, 100%), 809.2
([M-2AcO.sup.--2CH.sub.3+1 HCO.sub.2.sup.-].sup.+, 80%).
[0304] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1573, 1480.
[0305] [L.sup.14Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1,
neat): 1566 and 1413.
[0306] [L.sup.15Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]: MS (CI) m/z: 717
([M-2AcO.sup.-+HCO.sub.2.sup.-].sup.+, 100%).
[0307] IR (.nu..sub.C=O, cm.sup.-1, neat): 1562 and 1410.
Example 9: Synthesis of [L.sub.imine.sup.8Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
Complex
##STR00052##
[0309] The complex [L.sub.imine.sup.8Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] was
prepared using the following method:
[0310] Preparation of [L.sub.imine.sup.8M.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]:
[0311] To a suspension of Li.sub.2L.sub.imine.sup.8 (1 equiv.) in
MeOH was added Mg(OAc).sub.2.4H.sub.2O (2 equiv.). Reaction mixture
was stirred overnight at RT. After this time, solvents were
evaporated. Pentane was added and the reaction mixture was
filtered. Filtrate was evaporated to yield complex
[L.sub.imineMg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] as a slightly yellow solid.
[0312] L.sub.imine.sup.8Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz,
CD.sub.3OD) .delta. 8.13 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 2H),
7.26 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 2H), 4.09-4.03 (m, 4H), 3.31-3.26 (m, 2H),
2.86-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.66 (d, J=11.3 Hz, 2H), 2.22-2.14 (m, 2H),
1.90-1.40 (s, br, 6H), 1.31 (s, 18H), 1.21 (s, 3H), 1.16 (s, 3H),
1.14 (s, 3H), 1.02 (s, 3H).
[0313] MS (ESI) m/z: 639.3 ([M-2AcO.sup.-+HCO.sub.2.sup.-],
100%).
Example 10: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and CHO at 100.degree. C.
and 0.01 Mmol of [LM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
[0314] [LM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.01 or 0.025 mmol) was dissolved in
cyclohexene oxide (25 or 50 mmol) in a Schlenk. The vessel was
degassed, charged with CO.sub.2 (1 bar) and heated at 100.degree.
C. with magnetic stirring for the right time, giving
poly(cyclohexene carbonate). The polymer contained >99%
carbonate linkages and was produced with >99% selectivity in all
cases. The asymmetric ligands L1-L4 having N-substitution
demonstrate superior activity, productivity (turnover number) and
activity under low loadings. All the asymmetric complexes
demonstrate excellent selectivity for polymer, activity under low
pressures and narrow polydispersity polymers. The results are shown
in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Copolymerisation of CHO and CO.sub.2 using
[LM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] Vol Conversion CHO T P Time (PCHC + Cyclic
Catalyst cat:CHO (mL) (.degree. C.) (bar) (h) vs CHO
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 5 100 1 3 44%
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:1000 2.5 100 1 1.17 51.8
[L.sup.2Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 5 100 1 3 44%
[L.sup.3Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 5 100 1 3 47%
[L.sup.4Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 5 100 1 3 48%
[L.sub.imine.sup.8Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:1000 2.5 100 1 4 32.55%
[L.sup.9Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:1000 2.5 100 1 3 27.9%
[L.sup.9Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:1000 2.5 100 1 3 43.23% Selec-
Catalyst tivity TON TOF PDI Mn [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 100%
2203 734 1.254 12600 [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 99.9% 518 443
1.018/ 16300/ 1.051 9200 [L.sup.2Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 100% 2212 737
1.29 13100 [L.sup.3Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 100% 2370 790 1.234 12900
[L.sup.4Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 100% 2381 794 1.241 12900
[L.sub.imine.sup.8Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 100% 326 81
[L.sup.9Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 99.5% 279 93 1.042/ 12700/ 1.095 5300
[L.sup.9Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 100% 432 144 1.035/ 20400/ 1.196
6600
Example 11: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and CHO at 130.degree. C.
and High Pressure with [LM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
[0315] [L.sup.xM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.0148 mmol) was added to a
dried Schlenk tube and dried under vacuum for 60 minutes. CHO (15
mL, 148.26 mmol) was added under N.sub.2 via a syringe, the mixture
was transferred to a reactor under pressure 0.2 bar CO2. Reactor
vessel was heated to 130.degree. C., then pressured to 10 bar and
stirred for 1-2 hours, after which the vessel was cooled to
5.degree. C., the pressure slowly released and a sample taken for
GPC/NMR analysis. The results are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparison of catalytic activity of
equivalent Ni and Mg complexes under identical conditions for CHO
and CO.sub.2 (10 bar) copolymerisation at 1:10,000 loading.
Conversion Vol (PCHC + CHO T P Time Cyclic Selec- Catalyst cat:CHO
(mL) (.degree. C.) (bar) (h) vs CHO tivity TON TOF PDI Mn
[L.sup.11Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:10000 15 130 10 2 44.2% 100% 4420
2210 1.192 15100 [L.sup.11Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:10000 15 130 10 2
51.6% 98.5% 5156 2578 1.264 29400 [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
1:10000 15 130 10 1 44.5% 99.8% 4450 4450 1.234 21300
[0316] Although the symmetrical magnesium catalyst
[L.sup.11Mg.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] and nickel catalyst
[L.sup.11Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] perform well and have high
selectivity and activity (TOF) the asymmetric catalyst
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] has a far superior activity and
produces the same turn-over-number in half the time. This clearly
demonstrates the unexpected benefits that an asymmetric catalyst
can give over a symmetric catalyst.
Example 12: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and PO with
[LM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
[0317] [L.sup.xM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.0043-0.21 mmol) was dissolved
in propylene oxide (211 mmol) in a Schlenk tube and the solution
transferred into a pre-dried 100 mL stainless steel Parr pressure
vessel using a syringe. The vessel was charged with CO.sub.2 (20
bar) and heated to the desired temperature .degree. C. The solution
was stirred mechanically for the desired time, giving
poly(propylene carbonate) as a white solid with a high selectivity
for polymer and >99% carbonate linkages. The catalysts showed
excellent activity, producing a high yield of polymer. The
catalysts demonstrated significantly improved selectivity and
activity when compared to symmetric catalyst
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] and could be used at a much lower
catalyst loading. The results are shown in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Copolymerisation of PO and CO.sub.2 using
[LM.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] Selectivity T P Time for Polymer Catalyst
cat:PO (.degree. C.) (bar) (h) polymer yield PDI Mn
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 80 20 9 85% 6.8 g 1.027/ 34000/
1.032 16900 [L.sup.2Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 80 20 9 89% 8 g
1.027/ 42600/ 1.030 21200 [L.sup.3Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:5000 80 20
9 87% 7.8 g 1.025/ 38900/ 1.028 19300 [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
1:1000 70 20 16 87% 19 g 1.034/ 44500/ 1.030 22300
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:50000 90 20 16 80% 2.2 g 1.1 19700
[L.sup.7Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:1000 80 20 1 90% 8.5 g 1.02/ 17000/
1.03 8600 [L.sup.11Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] 1:1000 80 20 16 75% 10.4 g
1.12 15200
Example 13: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and PO with
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] in the Presence of a
Starter--PPG-425
[0318] [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.21 mmol) and PPG-425 (4.3
mmol) was dissolved in propylene oxide (211 mmol) in a Schlenk tube
and the solution transferred into a pre-dried 100 mL stainless
steel Parr pressure vessel using a syringe. The vessel was charged
with CO.sub.2 (20 bar) and heated to the 80.degree. C. The solution
was stirred mechanically for the 6 hrs, giving a
poly(propylenecarbonate) diol (9.2 g) as a clear viscous oil with a
high selectivity for polymer and >99% carbonate linkages.
Example 14: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and PO with
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] in the Presence of a
Starter--1,6-hexanediol
[0319] [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.21 mmol) and 1,6-hexanediol
(8.4 mmol) was dissolved in propylene oxide (211 mmol) in a Schlenk
tube and the solution transferred into a pre-dried 100 mL stainless
steel Parr pressure vessel using a syringe. The vessel was charged
with CO.sub.2 (20 bar) and heated to the 80.degree. C. The solution
was stirred mechanically for 12 hrs, giving a
poly(propylenecarbonate) diol (6.4 g) as a clear viscous oil with a
high selectivity for polymer and >99% carbonate linkages.
Example 15: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and PO with
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] in the Presence of a
Solvent--toluene
[0320] [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.021 mmol) was dissolved in
propylene oxide (106 mmol) in a Schlenk tube and a further 7.5 mL
of dry toluene was added and the solution transferred into a
pre-dried 100 mL stainless steel Parr pressure vessel using a
syringe. The vessel was charged with CO.sub.2 (20 bar) and heated
to the 80.degree. C. The solution was stirred mechanically for the
16 hrs, giving a toluene solution of poly(propylenecarbonate) which
was isolated (5 g) as a white powder with a high selectivity for
polymer and >99% carbonate linkages.
Example 16: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and PO with
[L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] in the Presence of a Solvent--n-butyl
acetate
[0321] [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.021 mmol) was dissolved in
propylene oxide (106 mmol) in a Schlenk tube and a further 7.5 mL
of dry n-butyl acetate was added and the solution transferred into
a pre-dried 100 mL stainless steel Parr pressure vessel using a
syringe. The vessel was charged with CO.sub.2 (20 bar) and heated
to the 80.degree. C. The solution was stirred mechanically for 16
hrs, giving an n-butyl acetate solution of poly(propylenecarbonate)
which was isolated (4.7 g) as a white powder with a high
selectivity for polymer and >99% carbonate linkages.
Example 17: Polymerisation of CO.sub.2 and Tert-Butyl Glycidyl
Ether with [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2]
[0322] [L.sup.1Ni.sub.2(OAc).sub.2] (0.105 mmol) was dissolved in
tert-butyl glycidyl ether (105 mmol) in a Schlenk tube and the
solution transferred into a pre-dried 100 mL stainless steel Parr
pressure vessel using a syringe. The vessel was charged with
CO.sub.2 (20 bar) and heated to the 80.degree. C. The solution was
stirred mechanically for 16 hrs, giving poly(tert-butylether
1,2-glycerol carbonate) which was isolated (8.6 g) as a white
powder with a high selectivity for polym for polymer and >99%
carbonate linkages.
[0323] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0324] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0325] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed
* * * * *