Concerning the ring-opening polymerization of lactide and cyclic esters by coordination metal catalysts

A summary of the reactions involved in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA) to give polylactides (PLAs) is presented along with competing reactions. Particular attention is given to the stereoselective polymerization of rac-LA to give heterotactic PLA and meso-LA to give syndiotactic PLA by aluminum Schiff-based catalysts and to the development of highly active group 2 metal single-site catalysts. Melt or solvent-free polymerization is also described along with reactions that lead exclusively to cyclic-polylactides.