Zn(II) and Cu(II) Formamidine Complexes: Synthesis, Molecular Structures and Catalytic Activity in Ring-Opening Polymerization of Epsilon -Caprolactone and D,L-Lactide

A series of Zn(II)- and Cu(II)-N,N'-diarylformamidine complexes have been synthesized. Substituents on the phenyl rings seem to have an effect on coordinating geometry around the metal centers. Each compound showed activity towards ring opening polymerization of ɛ-caprolactone and D, L-lactide. Kinetic studies of ring opening polymerization reactions fit first order.