A new amidoimidomalonate zinc complex with a sedecameric solid state structure catalyzing the copolymerization of CO2 and cyclohexene oxide

A new amidoimidomalonate ligand was synthesized in a short and effective way and the zinc acetate complex thereof was prepared. XRD investigation revealed an unprecedented solid state structure, where the sedecameric complex [(lig)₂Zn₄(OAc)₄]₄ builds the edges of a square cavity. Each edge is made up by a similar unit [(lig)₂Zn₄(OAc)₄] with four zinc atoms. The complex is an active catalyst in the copolymerization of CO₂ and cyclohexene oxide and produces polyethercarbonates with broad molecular weight distributions.