Polyethers constitute a crucially important class of polymers and are suitable for a broad array of applications, ranging from cosmetics, drug delivery and electrochemical devices to lubricants, PU synthesis and rheology modification. In spite of this, the bulk of polyether materials are made via traditional techniques, in particular via conventional anionic polymerization (KOH) or via the so-called Double Metal Cyanide (DMC) catalysis of epoxide monomers.

While largely successful, these techniques also suffer from a number of downsides or inabilities. Work in the Naumann research group focuses on the development of novel, preferentially matel-free polymerization systems which allow a much larger degree of freedom in designing (block) copolyethers.

The latter aspects include:

– an increase of the achievable molar masses, especially for poly(propylene oxide). Here, a novel strategy enabled us to realizes molar masses > 1 Mio. g/mol.

– the suppression of side products/reactions and the realization of narrow molar mass distributions. With modern organocatalysts, transfer-to-monomer can be eliminated (no allylic chain ends) and PDIs of 1.01-1.09 can be routinely achhieved.

– improved functional group tolerance. By “taming” the propagating chain end via coordination, it is possible to, e.g., use polyesters as macrointiators for polyether preparation. No polyester degradation occurs.

– use of polymer tacticity as a novel tool for the fine-tuning of polyether products. To date, polyether tacticity is not considered in commercial products. The Naumann group has developed and patented a specific catalyst family to achieve just that.

The presentation will address some of the above.