N-heterocyclic carbene complexes in ring opening polymerization

摘要: Abstract Metal-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes (M−NHCs) have established themselves as one of the most promising catalytic systems for a variety transformations. In particular, various well-defined biodegradable polymers been synthesized by M−NHCs via ring opening polymerization, field has made impressive progress during past decades. We present concise overview polymerization cyclic monomers catalyzed group 4 to 13 metal-NHC complexes. This review covers major achievements and developments from 2004 2020 with focus on catalyst/initiator structure–activity relationship M−NHC begin introducing general synthetic routes M−NHCs. The content is organized according metals types N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) i.e. classical nitrogen-, oxygen-, phosphorus-, sulfur-functionalized NHCs, latter additional donor functionality/functionalities in covalent tethered ligand. A wide range covered, which includes esters, carbonates, epoxides. Furthermore, copolymerization adducts reactions are also described. last section limitations challenges discussed.