Triazabicyclodecene: A versatile catalyst for polymer synthesis

This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the catalytic performance of 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD) in polymer synthesis. TBD, a well-established organic superbase, possesses a distinctive bifunctional character that grants it exceptional capabilities, particularly in processes such as transesterification or transamidation. TBD has garnered considerable attention since its initial report by Hedrick and Waymouth in 2006, and it has played a pivotal role in diverse polymerization reactions. Its versatility spans various polymerization modes, including chain-growth and step-growth polymerization, post-polymerization modification, and network thermoset formation. More recently, its utility has extended to the green chemical recycling of polymers. By providing an encompassing overview of TBD's historical journey, this review delves into its past accomplishments while shedding light on its present and future potential to organocatalysts in polymer science.