Zinc acetate as a catalyst for the bulk ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters and lactide

Zn(OAc) 2�2H 2O is found to be an effective bulk polymerization catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide, l-lactide, ?-caprolactone and ?-valerolactone. The propensity of polymerizations can be enhanced by performing them in the presence of appropriate amounts of different alcohols. The major initiation pathway in the polymerization is found to proceed via the activated monomer mechanism and depending on the nature of the alcohol used, polymers with different end groups can be synthesized. These polymerization system constitutes an economical process, employing readily available inorganics such as Zn(OAc) 2�2H 2O as catalyst and do not necessitate solvents. The overall system is green and eco friendly. � 2010 Elsevier B.V.