Carbon-bridged bis(phenolate)lanthanide alkoxides: Syntheses structures, and their application in the controlled polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone

A convenient method for the synthesis of lanthanide alkoxo complexes supported by a carbon-bridged bis(phenolate)ligand 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxo) [MBMP(super(2-)] is described. It is found that the alkoxolanthanide complexes can catalyze the controlled polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone.