Group 3 Post-Metallocene Complexes Based on Bis(Naphthoxy)Pyridine and Bis(Naphthoxy)ThioPhene Ligands for the Ring-Opening Polymerisation of Polar Cyclic Monomers

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of group 3 post-metallocene complexes based on sterically encumbered bis(naphthoxy)pyridine and bis(naphthoxy)thiophene ligands in the ring-opening polymerisation of polar monomers such as, for examples, lactones, lactides, cyclic carbonates.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A metallic complex of formula I: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein R 1 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6  and R 7  are each independently selected from hydrogen, an unsubstituted or a substituted hydrocarbyl, or an inert functional group, wherein two or more of R 1 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6  and R 7  can be linked together to form one or more rings; 
         wherein Z′ is one or two heteroatom(s) and n is 0 or 1; 
         wherein Z is an atom selected from Group 14 of the Periodic Table; 
         wherein R 2  is an alkyl or a substituted or an unsubstituted aryl group having at most 8 carbon atoms with the restriction that Z(R 2 ) 3  is a bulky group that is at least as bulky as tert-butyl, and wherein Z(R 2 ) 3  can be a substituted aryl group; 
         wherein M is a metal of Group 3 of the periodic Table or a member of the lanthanide series; and 
         wherein R $  is an alkyl, CH 2 SiMe 3 , CH(SiMe 3 ) 2 , OR*, or NR** 2 , wherein R* is alkyl, aryl or lactate O—CH(CH 3 )(COOR′), and wherein R** is SiMe 3  or SiHMe 2 . 
       
     
     
         11 . The metallic complex of  claim 10 , wherein R 1 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6  and R 7  are each independently selected from hydrogen or alkyl groups having at most 6 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         12 . The metallic complex of  claim 10 , wherein Z′ is S or N. 
     
     
         13 . The metallic complex of  claim 10 , wherein Z is C or Si. 
     
     
         14 . The metallic complex of  claim 10 , wherein R 2  is a substituted or an unsubstituted phenyl group or a higher aromatic group. 
     
     
         15 . The metallic complex of  claim 10 , wherein R $  is N(SiHMe 2 ) 2 , N(SiMe 3 ) 2  or OiPr.