End of Frustration: Catalytic Precision Polymerization with Highly Interacting Lewis Pairs

Herein we report on the catalytic
polymerization of diverse Michael-type
monomers with high precision by using simple but highly active combinations
of phosphorus-containing Lewis bases and organoaluminum compounds.
The interacting Lewis pair catalysts enable the control of molecular
weight and microstructure of the produced polymers. The reactions
show a linear Mn vs consumption plot thus
proving a living type polymerization. The initiation has been investigated
by end-group analysis with ESI mass spectrometric analysis. With these
main-group element Lewis acid base pairs, it is not only possible
to polymerize sterically demanding, functionalized as well as heteroatom
containing monomers but also, for the first time, to catalytically
polymerize extended Michael systems, like 4-vinylpyridine.