Stereoselective and controlled polymerization of d,l-lactide using indium(iii) trichloride

Abstract
Indium trichloride, benzyl alcohol, and triethylamine (without an added ‘directing’ multidentate ligand) generate a catalystin situ for the room temperature polymerization of D,L-lactide affording highly heterotactic polylactide of controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution.