A Scalable One-Pot Catalyst Synthesis for Cyclic Polymer Production

Abstract Utilizing a new approach for an easier synthesis of the [OCO] trianionic pincer ligand, the synthesis of two new tungsten alkylidyne and alkylidene complexes is reported. By inserting an additional tert-butyl group para to the alcohol, a reduction in cost and safety hazards has been noted. Improved overall catalyst synthesis efficiency has also been explored, further enabling this reaction to be scaled up. Improvements to the metalation of the tungsten precursor by employing a scalable one-pot synthetic protocol have reduced the reaction time from 2 weeks to 1 day. These complexes were tested for activity in the polymerization of phenylacetylene to produce a cyclic polymer, with reactivity profiles similar to those of the original complex, indicating that the addition of a bulky tert-butyl group to the catalyst backbone does not sacrifice activity.