Ring opening polymerization of L-lactide initiated by creatinine.

L-lactide was first successfully ring-opening polymerized in bulk using creatinine initiator. Poly(L-lactide)(PLLA) synthesized possesses a moderate molecular weight (MW) (Mn = 1.56 x 10(4)) and pretty narrow MW distribution (PDI = 1.28). Influence of temperature, time and creatinine dosage on the polymerization and formed PLLA's properties were examined. The polymerization mechanism is postulated according to (1)HNMR characterization of the propagation species and the synthesized PLLA product.