Stereoselective Lactide Polymerization: the Challenge of Chiral Catalyst Recognition

A model for stereoselective ring opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide promoted by chiral aluminum systems is reported based on DFT calculations. The mechanism of enantiomorphic site control dictated by the chiral catalyst shows unusual features, including active site reorganization on the reaction path, which add complexity and need to be taken into account when addressing the challenge of chiral catalyst recognition.