Introduction

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is an important polymer due to its mechanical properties, miscibility with other polymers and biodegradability [1]. It is produced by polycondensation of 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid or ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL). PCL has been used in different fields, i.e., in tissue engineering [2, 3], in drug delivery systems [4, 5], in microelectronics [6] or in packaging [7]. ε-Caprolactone polymerizes by ring opening according to four mechanisms, i.e., anionic [8], cationic [9], monomer-activated ROP [10] and coordination–insertion ROP [8,9,10]. PCL is a semicrystalline polymer having a low glass transition temperature and melting point [11]. Much more interesting are block copolymers that have excellent physical properties and belong to the most important materials used in technological applications. Some examples involve poly(CL-b-styrene) block copolymers [12] or poly(MMA-b-CL) triarm block copolymers synthesized by the simultaneous ATPR and ROP in one step [13]. Copolymers including PEG and PCL unit are good transporter for hydrophobic drugs delivery [14]. Recently, the synthesis of poly(CL-b-EG-b-CL) ABA-type block copolymers has been performed by “click” chemistry method [15]. Another type of copolymers’ architecture is graft one where copolymers have a branching chain structure attaching polymer units to another polymer backbone [16]. By synthesis of a novel macroinitiator (RAFT-ROP agent), poly[CL-b-EPCH-CL-(g-n-BMA)] block–graft copolymers were prepared [17].

The present paper is dedicated to anionic ROP of ε-CL. It was known that this lactone does not polymerize with carboxylate anions, even with crowned cations [18]. It is in accordance with the general inability of these anions to react with esters. The only exception are esters with a good leaving group. The strained ring like in β-propiolactone (β-PL) or β-butyrolactone (β-BL) can be considered as an equivalent of a good leaving group. However, the application of NaH for ε-CL polymerization causes acyl-oxygen bond cleavage during initiation [19]. Recently [20], macrocyclic ligands activated by alkali metal hydroxides, i.e., LiOH, NaOH and KOH, have been used successfully for ε-CL polymerization. In all systems, initiation proceeded by acyl-oxygen bond cleavage. In the polymerization mediated with KOH-activated strong complexing ligands, i.e., 15-crown-5 (15C5) or 18-crown-6 (18C6), linear and cyclic polymers were formed.

Anionic polymerization of ε-CL can be also easily induced by alkoxides and the growing species are alkoxide anions. In the presence of potassium alkoxides, ε-CL ring opens exclusively in the acyl-oxygen position [21]. Dale et al. [22] proposed that during the initiation step t-BuOK adds to carbonyl group of the monomer. Next, the ring opening occurs, resulting in the formation of t-butyl ester with alkoxide group, which initiates the polymerization. However, recently Penczek et al. [18] suggested that anions with high basicity and low nucleophilicity due to steric hindrance, e.g., t-BuOK, could initiate polymerization of ε-CL by proton abstraction mostly with reversible manner. Stable potassium enolate is expected as a product of this reaction; however, its role in the polymerization was not determined.

The aim of the present work was reinvestigation of the mechanism of ε-CL polymerization initiated with potassium alkoxides. Three of them were chosen for the study, i.e., MeOK, i-PrOK and t-BuOK. Comparatively, polymerizations were also carried out in the presence of several other salts, namely NaH, KH, Ph2PK, Ph3CK, Ph3HBK and CbK (carbazylpotassium). Macrocyclic ligands, i.e., 12C4, 15C5, 18C6, DCH24C8 and C222, were applied as cation complexing agents. All processes were carried out in tetrahydrofuran solution at room temperature. MALDI-TOF and 13C NMR techniques were used for the determination of the structure of polymers prepared. Molar masses and dispersity of polymers were obtained by SEC chromatography.

Experimental

Materials

ε-Caprolactone (Aldrich) was heated over CaH2 for 24 h at room temperature and then distilled under reduced pressure in argon atmosphere prior use. Anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) (Acros Organics) was kept over CaH2 and distilled at 66 °C. Potassium hydride (KH) was purified according to the procedure described by Brown [23]. A 35 wt% dispersion of KH in mineral oil (Aldrich) was mixed with n-pentane in a dry argon atmosphere and then decanted. It was repeated three times followed by a threefold washing with dry THF. Finally, the solvent was evaporated in vacuum. Methanol, isopropanol, carbazole, NaH, Ph2PK, Ph3HBK, Ph3CH, t-BuOK (the last as 1.0 M solution in THF), 12C4, 15C5, 18C6, DCH24C8 and C222 (from Aldrich) were used without purification.

Initiators syntheses and lactone polymerization

MeOK, i-PrOK, CbK and Ph3CK were synthesized in the reaction of appropriate substrate with KH-activated 18C6 in THF solution at 20 °C [24]. All syntheses were carried out in a 50 cm3 reactor equipped with a magnetic stirrer and a Teflon valve enabling substrates delivery and sampling under argon atmosphere. During the reactions gaseous hydrogen was evolved. For example, KH (0.08 g, 2.0 mmol), 18C6 (0.53 g, 2.0 mmol) and THF (15.0 cm3) were introduced into the reactor and then methanol (0.064 g, 2.0 mmol) was added by the use of microsyringe. The reaction mixture was then stirred for 1 h until all H2 (44.7 cm3) was evolved. This resulted in a fine dispersion of pure anhydrous potassium methoxide in the ether medium. That system was used as the initiator when ε-caprolactone (4.56 g, 40 mmol) was introduced into the reactor. Thus, the initial concentration of the monomer was 2.0 mol/dm3 and monomer/initiator molar ratio was 20/1. The reaction mixture was then stirred for several hours. After complete conversion of the monomer, methyl iodide (0.5 cm3, 8.0 mmol) was added to it as a quenching agent. After the separation of potassium iodide–crown complex precipitate from the system by filtration, THF was evaporated from the solution in vacuum at 50 °C, yielding white solid polymer. In all polymerizations, the concentration of the monomer during the process was monitored by SEC technique. The final conversion was ~ 99% after few minutes to 2 weeks. The yields of the reactions were 96–98%. Some of the processes were heterogeneous (e.g., initiated KH- or NaH-activated 12C4), others were homogeneous (e.g., in the presence of potassium alkoxides).

Measurements

100 MHz, 13C NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl3 at 25 °C on a Bruker Avance 400 pulsed spectrometer equipped with 5-mm broadband probe and applying Waltz-16 decoupling sequence. Chemical shifts were referenced to tetramethylsilane serving as an internal standard. To obtain a good spectrum of the polymer main chain exhibiting its microstructural details, about 3000 scans were satisfactory, but in order to observe the signals of the polymer chain ends more than 10,000 scans were necessary. Molar masses and dispersities of polymers were obtained by means of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) on a Shimadzu Prominence UFLC instrument at 40 °C on a Shodex 300 mm × 8 mm OHpac column using tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. Polystyrenes were used as calibration standards. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) spectra were recorded on a Shimadzu AXIMA Performance instrument with dithranol used as a matrix.

Results and discussion

Polymerization of ε-caprolactone initiated with potassium alkoxides

Potassium alkoxides, i.e., MeOK, i-PrOK and t-BuOK, were used for initiation of ε-CL polymerization. Analysis of the polymers obtained by 13C NMR gave information about final groups, present in the polymer chains after treating with MeI as quenching agent. Further data concerning polymer chemical structure were obtained by the use of MALDI-TOF technique. Figure 1 shows, for example, MALDI-TOF spectrum of the polymer prepared in the presence of t-BuOK.

Fig. 1
figure 1

MALDI-TOF spectrum of poly(ε-CL) prepared by the use of t-BuOK and quenched by MeI

Three main series of signals are observed in the spectrum. The series of very weak peaks, i.e., from m/z 889.1 to m/z 1800.5, represents macromolecules with t-butoxy starting groups and methoxy end groups. They form adducts with hydrogen ion. For example, the peaks at m/z 889.1, 1117.3 and 1459.9 represent macromolecules A with 7, 9 and 12 ε-caprolactone units (Mcalc = 888.1, 1116.4 and 1458.8), respectively. These macromolecules form in the polymerization initiated with t-BuOK according to the reaction presented in Scheme 1.

Scheme 1
scheme 1

Anionic polymerization of ε-CL initiated with t-BuOK by ring opening of the monomer (side reaction)

13C NMR analysis of the polymer reveals strong signals characteristic for carbons derived from polymers of ε-CL. They are following signals, which correspond well with the literature data [25]: δ (in ppm): 24.6, 25.6, 28.4, 34.1, 64.2 (OCO(CH2)5), 173.5 (COO). Moreover, Fig. 2 shows weak signal of (CH3)3CO– starting group (at 28.1 ppm) and signal of –OCH3 end group (at 63.0 ppm).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Carbon signals of (CH3)3CO– and –OCH3 terminal groups in 13C NMR poly(ε-CL) obtained with t-BuOK and quenched by MeI

Then, it was proposed that the main series of signals in Fig. 1, i.e., from m/z 815.7 to m/z 1271.6, represents macromolecules without t-butoxy starting group, which form in the polymerization initiated with organopotassium compound 2 resulting from deprotonation of the monomer with initiator (Scheme 2). For example, the peaks at m/z 815.7, 1043.4 and 1271.6 represent macromolecules B with 7, 9 and 11 lactone units (Mcalc = 814.0, 1042.3 and 1270.6), respectively, and one methoxy end group. They form adducts with hydrogen ion.

Scheme 2
scheme 2

Anionic polymerization of ε-CL initiated with t-BuOK by deprotonation of the monomer

Third series of signals was observed in the spectrum at m/z 831.5–1971.8. For example, the peaks at m/z 831.5, 1400.0 and 1857.4 represent branched macromolecules with 7, 12 and 16 monomer units (Mcalc = 828.0, 1398.0 and 1855.0), respectively, and two methoxy end groups, which form proton adducts. It was proposed that macromolecules 3 react mutually due to the presence of lactone ring, which can open by acyl-oxygen bond cleavage in the reaction with alkoxide end group. Macromolecules C with three arms form in the process (Scheme 3).

Scheme 3
scheme 3

Intermolecular reaction of two macromolecules 3 and further polymerization leading to macromolecules C with three arms

Series of signals derived from macromolecules A and B were absent in the spectrum of poly(ε-CL) prepared in the presence of t-BuOK activated by 18C6. Signals of macromolecules C were observed in the spectrum, as well as new series of signals at m/z 845.7–2803.3 (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
figure 3

MALDI-TOF spectrum of poly(ε-CL) synthesized in the presence of t-BuO K+ and quenched by MeI

For example, the peaks at m/z 845.8, 1758.3 and 2445.6 represent more branched macromolecules with 7, 15 and 21 monomer units (Mcalc = 842.0, 1755.0 and 2439.9), respectively, and three methoxy end groups which form adducts with hydrogen ion. Thus, we proposed that macromolecules 3 can also react with 4 giving branched macromolecules D (Scheme 4).

Scheme 4
scheme 4

Branched macromolecules D formed in the reaction of macromolecules 3 with 4 (after methylation)

It is also worth noting that cyclic oligomers were not found in all studied systems. Similar phenomenon was observed in the polymerization initiated with other potassium alkoxides. However, in 13C NMR spectrum of the polymer prepared with the presence of MeOK weak signal of CH3OCO– starting group (at 51.4 ppm) was shown (Fig. 4). It results from acyl-oxygen bond cleavage by initiator in this case.

Fig. 4
figure 4

Carbon signal of CH3OCO– starting group in 13C NMR spectrum of poly(ε-CL) obtained with MeOK and quenched by MeI

Table 1 presents molar masses and dispersities of prepared polyesters. The ring-opening/deprotonation ratio values were calculated by comparison of intensities of the MALDI signals of peculiar macromolecules structure along with confirmation based on the 13C NMR data. Such protocol is proper as the chosen mechanism of initiation leads to formation of the same type of macromolecules with the same susceptibility to ionization.

Table 1 Polymerization of ε-CL initiated with potassium alkoxides at 20 °C

It is worth noting that Mn of the polymers and their dispersities increase, in general, from (1) to (6). It could be consisted with the formation of branched macromolecules, especially in the systems (5) and (6) with highest Mw/Mn values. Exemplary SEC chromatogram of polymer (6) is shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5
figure 5

SEC chromatogram of poly(ε-CL) obtained with t-BuOK and quenched by MeI

Polymerization of ε-caprolactone initiated with alkali metal hydrides and other metal salts

In the next step of the studies, it was observed that polymerization of ε-CL occurs also easily in the presence of KH. During the process no gaseous products were evolved. The reaction mixture was very viscous and almost homogeneous. After quenching with MeI, the polymer obtained was analyzed by MALDI-TOF technique. MALDI-TOF spectrum reveals two series of signals, which indicate the formation of two kinds of macromolecules (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6
figure 6

MALDI-TOF spectrum of poly(ε-CL) prepared in the presence of KH and quenched by MeI

It was proposed that first series of signals, i.e., from m/z 815.7 to m/z 1385.6, represents macromolecules with aldehyde starting group and methoxy end group. For example, the peaks at m/z 815.7, 1043.2 and 1385.6 represent macromolecules with 7, 9 and 12 monomer units (Mcalc = 816.0, 1044.3 and 1386.7), respectively. They form adducts with hydrogen ion. 13C NMR analysis of the polymer confirmed the presence of O=CH– (at 207.21 ppm) and –OCH3 (at 62.95 ppm) groups (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7
figure 7

Carbon signals of O = CH– starting group and –OCH3 end group in 13C NMR spectrum of poly(ε-CL) prepared with KH and quenched by MeI

We suggested that in the first step of the process KH reacts with the monomer by addition to carbonyl group or direct nucleophilic ring opening in the acyl-oxygen position (Scheme 5) and gives product 5. It becomes the real initiator of the polymerization resulting in macromolecules E after methylation.

Scheme 5
scheme 5

Polymerization of ε-CL mediated with KH

The second series of signals, i.e., from m/z 831.7 to m/z 1401.6, represents branched macromolecules with three terminal groups, i.e., one aldehyde group and two methoxy groups. For example, the peaks at m/z 831.7, 1059.3 and 1401.6 represent macromolecules with 7, 9 and 12 monomer units (Mcalc = 832.0, 1060.3 and 1402.7), respectively. They form adducts with hydrogen ion.

It was proposed that during the polymerization part of macromolecules 6 possessing alkoxide and aldehyde terminal groups react mutually giving macromolecules F after methylation (Scheme 6).

Scheme 6
scheme 6

Formation of branched poly(ε-CL) in the reaction of macromolecules 6 containing aldehyde starting group and alkoxide end group

Similar effect was observed in the polymerization carried out in the presence of crown ethers 12C4 or DCH24C8 which form weak complexes with K+ counterion. However, after activation of KH with strong ligands, i.e., 15C5, 18C6 or C222, MALDI-TOF spectrum of the methylated polymers reveals signals of new macromolecules. No signals of macromolecules E were found in the spectrum. One series of the signals was already observed in the previous spectrum and represents macromolecules F. However, the second series of signals represents macromolecules formed in other reaction. It was found in separate experiment that during the polymerization hydrogen was evolved from the reaction mixture. We proposed that hydrogen was a product of the monomer deprotonation by KH activated by strong ligand. Thus, in these systems KH behaves in the initiation step not only as nucleophile but also as a base. Potassium lactone enolate forms as the product of monomer deprotonation and initiates ε-CL polymerization. The reaction course is similar to that observed for t-BuOK (Schemes 2 and 3).

It was observed that NaH without ligand and with 12C4 or DCH24C8 does not initiate ε-CL polymerization. However, in the presence of strong ligands, i.e., 15C5, 18C6 or C222, polymerization occurs easily. In the systems with 15C5 or 18C6, initiation takes place exclusively by ring opening of the monomer and macromolecules A and B were formed, whereas in the presence of C222 hydrogen was evolved, which indicated that also deprotonation of the monomer occurred (Table 2).

Table 2 Polymerization of ε-CL initiated with alkali metal hydrides and other metal salts activated with various ligands at 20 °C

Molar mass and dispersity of the polymers obtained in the presence of alkali metal hydrides (7–15) were markedly higher in comparison with those prepared with other alkali metal salts (1–6 and 16–19).

Summarizing, alkali metal salts used in this work for ε-CL polymerization react in the initiation step mainly by deprotonation of the monomer as strong bases (5, 6 and 19), as nucleophilic bases (9, 12, 13 and 15) or nucleophilic reagents, which open monomer ring in the acyl-oxygen position (7, 8, 10, 11, 14 and 16–18). This effect depends on the nature of initiator, i.e., its nucleophilicity/basicity ratio. A broader representation of alkali metal salts like lithium and sodium ones for ε-CL polymerization is planned in the future studies.

Conclusions

Various alkali metal salts were used for initiation of ε-caprolactone anionic ring-opening polymerization in tetrahydrofuran at ambient temperature. In some systems, the initiators were activated by macrocyclic ligands complexing metal cations. In general, the initiators behave as nucleophilic reagents, bases or nucleophilic bases. The most important conclusions to be drawn from the study are as follows:

  • Potassium alkoxides, i.e., MeOK, i-PrOK and t-BuOK, initiated polymerization mainly by deprotonation of the monomer.

  • Nonactivated NaH was inert, but NaH activated by 15C5, 18C6 or C222 initiated polymerization by ring opening.

  • Potassium hydride nonactivated or activated by weak ligands as 12C4 or DCH24C8 reacted by ring opening, but in the presence of strong ligands as 15C5, 18C6 or C222 initiation occurred by ring opening and monomer deprotonation.

  • Other potassium salts activated by 18C6, i.e., Ph2PK, Ph3CK and Ph3HBK, opened lactone ring, whereas CbK deprotonated monomer.

  • Deprotonation of the monomer resulted in macromolecules with lactone starting group, which opened in the reaction with alkoxide end group; it led to the formation of branched polymers.

  • Similarly, ring opening by metal hydrides resulted in carbonyl group, which reacted with alkoxide end group forming branched macromolecules.

  • Molar masses (Mn) of the polymers obtained with potassium alkoxides were in the range of 2300–7200 (Mw/Mn = 2.18–3.38); higher Mn had polymers prepared with potassium hydrides and other salts, i.e., 7900–9200 (Mw/Mn = 3.16–4.37), especially highly synthesized by the use of KH without the ligand (Mn = 39,800, Mw/Mn = 4.65).