Polymerization of Cyclic Esters Initiated by Carnitine and Tin (II) Octoate

Low-molecular weight poly(ε-caprolactone), polylactides and copolymers of ε-caprolactone and lactides were obtained by the polymerization of cyclic esters in the presence of a carnitine/SnOct2 system. Their structures were proven by means of MALDI-TOF, IR and NMR studies. Effects of temperature, reaction time and carnitine dosage on the polymerization process were examined.