Development of Novel Magnesium, Zinc, and Aluminum Organometallic Catalysts for the Copolymerization of CO2 and Epoxides

The aim of this dissertation is to describe the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance in the copolymerization of CO₂ and cyclohexene oxide of various homogeneous metal complexes containing magnesium, zinc, and aluminum metal centers.

The introduction provides historical context for this work, including discussion of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis using zinc as the choice metal. Also included is a mechanistic discussion leading to the development of dinuclear metal complexes as catalysts.

Chapter 2 describes the synthesis and characterization of a bis(pyrazolyl)methylphenol “heteroscorpionate” ligand and the corresponding zinc and magnesium complexes.

Chapter 3 focuses on the synthesis of five “salen-type” ligands and the corresponding magnesium, zinc, and aluminum metal complexes.

Chapter 4 focuses on the synthesis and characterization of heterobimetallic dinuclear macrocyclic metal complexes containing lithium and magnesium, or lithium and zinc centers.

Chapter 5 focuses on the synthesis of three novel m-phenylene-bridged (phosphinimino/phosphorano)methane ligands. The coordination chemistry of the phosphine oxide derivative with magnesium, zinc, and aluminum metal centers is discussed.