The Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program supports the research of Geoffrey W. Coates of Cornell University on the synthesis of new polymers with reduced environmental impact via 1) the development of new procedures that reduce energy consumption, the use of non-renewable resources (fossil fuels), or the generation of chemical waste and 2) the synthesis of polymers that are easily recycled and/or biodegraded. The new biodegradable polymers (polyesters, polycarbonates, polyethers, and polyolefins) are synthesized using a wide range of catalysts (zinc, cobalt, nickel, aluminum, etc.). Characterizational studies enable the researchers to understand the structural and kinetic aspects associated with the catalysts and the polymerization process. Professor Coates has been actively involved in introducing polymer chemistry to large organic chemistry courses. He and his group conduct demonstrations for K-12 students and teachers at the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) and at the annual Expand Your Horizons Program for 7th-9th grade girls. The Coates' group also works closely with a small company to commercialize some of their biodegradable materials. News pieces on his synthesis of plastics from CO2 and orange oil have appeared on CNN, ABC, and the BBC, as well as in the New York Times and Esquire Magazine.
The objective of this proposal by Professor Geoffrey W. Coates at Cornell University, which funded by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program, was to develop new methods for the synthesis of polymeric materials that have reduced impact on the environment. This objective was met in two interrelated ways. First, synthetic procedures utilizing renewable (or potentially renewable) resources were developed. Second, routes to macromolecules that are biodegradable and/or recyclable were discovered. The project focused on the discovery, development, and utilization of catalysts for three types of polymer syntheses: 1) the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters from epoxides and cyclic anhydrides; 2) the synthesis of biodegradable polycarbonates from epoxides and CO2; and 3) the synthesis of biodegradable, semi-crystalline polyethers by the enantioselective homopolymerization of epoxides. Carbon dioxide is an ideal feedstock for polymer synthesis as it is readily available from many sources and is also inexpensive. A primary goal of our work was the synthesis of new polymers from CO2 and epoxides, which have applications in a number of areas (see figure) . This proposal focused on two main intellectual activities: catalyst development and the synthesis of macromolecular materials. These activities require an in-depth knowledge of multiple areas of science. The development of new catalysts includes catalyst discovery, understanding the mechanisms of operation, modification of catalysts for improved behavior, and utilization of the catalysts in new areas of synthesis. Therefore catalyst development requires skills in organic synthesis for ligand and substrate synthesis, physical organic chemistry for mechanistic studies, and inorganic chemistry since many catalysts contain metals. The development of new polymer architectures requires detailed knowledge of important polymer targets, structure property relationships, and polymer characterization. The PI and his students were involved in many forms of outreach during the course of the funded experimental work. Such activities included a variety of chemistry demonstrations and hands-on, inquiry based experiments in local elementary and middle schools.
