Controlled polymerization of α-methyl-β-pentyl-β-propiolactone by a discrete zinc alkoxide complex

We report the zinc(II) alkoxide-mediated ring opening polymerization of α-methyl-β-pentyl-β-propiolactone. The polymerization proceeds to high conversion and in the absence of significant transesterification to yield polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. Poly(α-methyl-β-pentyl-β-propiolactone), PMPP, is an amorphous, low glass transition material that forms immiscible blends with polylactide (PLA). PMPP-b-PLA diblock copolymers, for use as potential blend compatibilizers, were synthesized in a controlled manner by sequential monomer addition.