Abstract
Conventional approaches for polymerizing substituted epoxides, especially propylene
oxide, suffer from side reactions, severely limiting molar masses and control over
the end groups of the resulting poly(propylene oxide) (PPO). This has not only complicated
the incorporation of PPO moieties into complex defined polymer architectures, but
has also hampered consideration of PPO as an interesting material in its own right.
In this context, a concise summary of strategies for creating truly high-molecular-mass
polyethers is provided, with a focus on a recently developed dual catalytic setup
that permits access to PPO molar masses of 106 g/mol and beyond. Based on these advances in the catalytic preparation of polyethers,
future perspectives for ultrahigh-molecular-weight (UHMW) PPO as a performance material
are identified.
Key words
carbanions - epoxides - homogeneous catalysis - polymers - polypropylene oxide
