Copolymerization of carbon dioxide and cyclohexene oxide catalyzed by chromium complexes bearing semirigid [ONSO]-type ligands J Polym Sci, Part A: Polym Chem, 2016, DOI: 10.1002/pola.28052

Chromium complexes supported by tetradentate dianionic imine-thioether-bridged bis(phenol) ligands were prepared and employed in the synthesis of poly(cyclohexene carbonate) via the copolymerization of CO2 and cyclohexene oxide. The catalytic activity, product selectivity, and kinetic behaviors of these [ONSO]CrIII complexes have been systematically investigated. Results indicate the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents on the ligands to enhance catalytic activity and polymer selectivity. A turnover frequency of 100 h?1 is observed at a temperature of 110 °C, producing polycarbonate with >60% selectivity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016