Organotin(IV) compounds as intramolecular transesterification catalysts in thermal depolymerization of poly(L-lactic acid) oligomer to form LL-lactide.

Mono-, di-, and tetraalkyl tin(IV) compounds were evaluated for the intramolecular transesterification reaction of the thermal depolymerization of poly(L-lactic acid) oligomer forming lactide by gas chromatography using a beta-cyclodextrin stationary phase capillary column. The most active catalyst was found to be monobutyltin trichloride (BuSnCl3) (8), which contains tin-halogen bonds, and the least effective was the coordinatively saturated monoorganotin derivative, monobutyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate) (7). Coordination of the carbonyl group in the oligomer to the tin catalysts is an important factor influencing its activity.