Advances in cyclic ester ring‐opening polymerization using heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract

Aliphatic polyesters' propensity to be biocompatible and biodegradable, as well as their prospective applications in the medical and agricultural industries, has prompted much research into their synthesis. As ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) technology has advanced rapidly, the invention of discrete, thoroughly characterized heterogeneous catalysts, which are potent polymerization initiators for ROP, has received much attention during the last decade. Numerous polyester microstructures have been produced because of recent developments in the catalyst design of new heterogeneous catalysts and applied in initiating the ROP of cyclic esters. This study reviewed the ROP of cyclic ester catalysts composed of a heterogenous catalyst such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and supported catalyst. MOFs are crystalline porous materials with tunable frameworks that make them potential mediums for polymerization. The MOF structure's precise design is important to control polymerizations because it provides control over both primary and higher‐order structures. Additionally, the stability of the heterogeneous catalyst is also discussed. Finally, the conclusion to the previous study and a stance for future prospects is given. This article intends to provide valuable information for building a heterogeneous catalyst for the ROP of cyclic esters with enhanced activity.