Abstract: | The effect of temperature on stereoelective polymerization of t-butyl thiirane was studied. Although the overall kinetic scheme was not modified by a change of temperature, a strong effect on the stereoelectivity ratio was observed. Very high optical yields were obtained for polymerizations run below 0°C. On the other hand, at temperatures higher than 120°C, the stereoelection is inversed; i.e., the opposite enantiomer is chosen. The stereoselectivity ratio varies with temperature according to an Arrhenius relationship. |