Henning Vogt

Facile insertion of CO2 into metal–phenoxide bonds

The activation of CO2 is highlighted for two lead-structures of cobalt- and zinc-based homogeneous catalysts used in the copolymerization of epoxides and CO2. Following the activation of CO2 with in situ ATR-IR spectroscopy, a surprisingly facile insertion of CO2 into metal–phenoxide bonds was revealed.

The microstructure and melt properties of CO-ethylene copolymers with remarkably low CO content†

Polyketones with low CO content and molecular weight in the oligomer range were obtained with unprecedented efficiency by using a new protocol for the palladium-catalysed copolymerisation of CO and ethylene. Key physicochemical properties such as resistance to degradation and melting point were traced back to the microstructure of the polyketones. With properties tailored to the application, non-alternating polyketones emerge as interesting materials for demanding applications, where alternating polyketones are currently being used. Furthermore, the keto groups constitute interesting anchoring sites for introducing functionalities.

Oligomeric poly(acetalcarbonates) obtained by repolymerisation of paraformaldehyde

The synthesis and characterization of oligomeric poly(acetalcarbonates) obtained with the use of formaldehyde as a sustainable and renewable C1-building block is reported. Our approach involves generating monomeric formaldehyde in situ by depolymerisation of paraformaldehyde and repolymerisation to oligomeric poly(acetalcarbonates) using a bifunctional catalyst combination comprising a Lewis acid and Cs2CO3. Analysis of the chemical structure of the products revealed the presence of oligomeric polyoxymethylene sequences together with carbonate units and oxyethylene units along the polymer chain. The latter units act as zip stoppers, and lead to significant stabilisation of the polymer chains. Terminal OH groups allow for rich follow-up chemistry and render as products interesting bifunctional polymer building blocks.