Copper-Catalyzed Si—H Bond Insertion Polymerization for Synthesis of Optically Active Polyesters Containing Silicon

The synthesis and characterization of chiral polymers with diverse structure remain a long-term challenging research topic. Herein, a copper-catalyzed enantioselective insertion of carbene into Si—H bond was applied to polycondensation, giving a new type of optically active degradable polyesters containing Si—C bond in the main chain. The polymerization features mild condition, broad substrate scope, excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Chiral diols could be obtained via reduction of optically active polyesters. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated these chiral polyesters exhibit good thermal stability.