| Abstract: | A study was conducted on the application of aluminoxane catalysts to the polymerization of β-butyrolactone, including the effects of polymerization solvent, temperature, type of aluminoxane, aluminoxane preparation, aluminoxane concentration, and modifications of the aluminoxane on the yield and tacticity of the polymer obtained. Optimal conditions for the synthesis of high molecular weight, highly isotactic poly-β-butyrolactone, PBL, were determined. Quantitative yields of crude PBL could be obtained, but removal of aluminum residues from the crude PBL by treatment with acetylactone resulted in large polymer losses. The polymer lost had a low molecular weight and an atactic stereochemistry. The purified PBL was of high molecular weight and high isotacticity. |
