Long‐Chain Branched Poly(Lactide)s Based on Polycondensation of AB2‐type Macromonomers

A series of long-chain branched poly(d-/l-lactide)s is synthesized in a two-step protocol by (1) ring-opening polymerization of lactide and (2) subsequent condensation of the preformed AB2 macromonomers promoted by different coupling reagents. The linear AB2 macromonomers are prepared by Sn(Oct)2-catalyzed ROP of D- and L-lactide with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (BHB) as an initiator. Optimization of the polymerization conditions allows for the preparation of well-defined macromonomers (Mw/Mn = 1.09–1.30) with adjustable molecular weights (760–7200 g mol−1). The two-step approach of the synthesis comprises as well the coupling of these AB2 macromonomers and hence allows precise control over the lactide chain length between the branching units in contrast to a random polycondensation.