L2Zn and LZnX complexes bearing half-salphen ligands and their catalysis of ring-opening polymerization of ε -caprolactone

Zinc complexes L2Zn and LZnX were prepared by template synthesis from ZnX2, N1,N1-dimethylbenzene-1,2-diamine and substituted salicylaldehyde (SA). A systematic exploration of this synthetic route revealed the subtle role of choice of Zn source and SA substitution pattern on the reaction stoichiometry and enabled synthesis of pure Zn complexes. Use of poorly coordinating counterions (such as CF3SO3−) and apolar substituents on the SA component...