Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyl-Functionalized Poly(propylene carbonate)

Construction of Polycarbonates with Pendant Multifunctional Groups via a One-Step CO2/ Diepoxide Copolymerization Approach

A "one-step" strategy has been demonstrated for the tunable synthesis of multifunctional aliphatic polycarbonates (APCs) with ethylene oxide (EO), ethylene carbonate (EC), and cyclohexene oxide (CHO) side groups by the copolymerization of 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene diepoxide with carbon dioxide under an aminotriphenolate iron/PPNBz (PPN = bis(triphenylphosphine)-iminium, Bz = benzoate) binary catalyst. By adjusting the PPNBz-to-iron complex ratio and incorporating auxiliary solvents, the content of functional side groups can be tuned within the ranges of 53-75% for EO, 18-47% for EC, and <1-7% for CHO. The yield and molecular weight distribution of the resulting multifunctional APCs are affected by the viscosity of the polymerization system. The use of tetrahydrofuran as an auxiliary solvent enables the preparation of narrow-distribution polycarbonates at high conversion. This work presents a novel perspective for the preparation of tailorable multifunctional APCs.

Synthesis of functional CO2-based polycarbonates via dinuclear nickel nitrophenolate-based catalysis for degradable surfactant and drug-loaded nanoparticle applications

Functional CO₂-based polycarbonates via efficient catalysis strategies using well-defined dinickel catalysts and their biomedical applications for the synthesis of drug-loaded nanoparticles were reported.

Advances in the use of CO2 as a renewable feedstock for the synthesis of polymers

Carbon dioxide offers an accessible, cheap and renewable carbon feedstock for synthesis. Current interest in the area of carbon dioxide valorisation aims at new, emerging technologies that are able to provide new opportunities to turn a waste into value. Polymers are among the most widely produced chemicals in the world greatly affecting the quality of life. However, there are growing concerns about the lack of reuse of the majority of the consumer plastics and their after-life disposal resulting in an increasing demand for sustainable alternatives. New monomers and polymers that can address these issues are therefore warranted, and merging polymer synthesis with the recycling of carbon dioxide offers a tangible route to transition towards a circular economy. Here, an overview of the most relevant and recent approaches to CO2-based monomers and polymers are highlighted with particular emphasis on the transformation routes used and their involved manifolds.

Recent development of functional aliphatic polycarbonates for the construction of amphiphilic polymers

Functional aliphatic polycarbonates in the construction of amphiphilic polymers are summarized in seven categories (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or/and functional unit).

Catalysts for CO2/epoxide ring-opening copolymerization

This article summarizes and reviews recent progress in the development of catalysts for the ring-opening copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. The copolymerization is an interesting method to add value to carbon dioxide, including from waste sources, and to reduce pollution associated with commodity polymer manufacture. The selection of the catalyst is of critical importance to control the composition, properties and applications of the resultant polymers. This review highlights and exemplifies some key recent findings and hypotheses, in particular using examples drawn from our own research.

Synthetic Biomaterials from Metabolically Derived Synthons

The utility of metabolic synthons as the building blocks for new biomaterials is based on the early application and success of hydroxy acid based polyesters as degradable sutures and controlled drug delivery matrices. The sheer number of potential monomers derived from the metabolome (e.g., lactic acid, dihydroxyacetone, glycerol, fumarate) gives rise to almost limitless biomaterial structural possibilities, functionality, and performance characteristics, as well as opportunities for the synthesis of new polymers. This review describes recent advances in new chemistries, as well as the inventive use of traditional chemistries, toward the design and synthesis of new polymers. Specific polymeric biomaterials can be prepared for use in varied medical applications (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound repair, etc.) through judicious selection of the monomer and backbone linkage.

One-pot, mouldable, thermoplastic resins from poly(propylene carbonate) and poly(caprolactone triol)

Co-polymers of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and poly(caprolactone triol) (PCLT) were synthesised via a simple yet effective one-pot, two-step method, without the need for a catalyst or solvent.

One-pot synthesis and postpolymerization functionalization of cyclic carbonate/epoxide-difunctional polycarbonates prepared by regioselective diepoxide/CO2 copolymerization

Polycarbonate with cyclic carbonate and epoxide-difunctional groups is synthesized via a copolymerization of 4-VCHO and CO₂ in one-step, which possess high T_g and afford a versatile platform for the post-functionalziation.

Synthesis of four- and six-armed star-shaped polycarbonates by immortal alternating copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide

A series of four- and six-armed star-shaped poly(propylene carbonate)s (PPCs) have successfully been synthesized by carbon dioxide (CO₂)–propylene oxide (PO) immortal alternating copolymerization initiated either from tetra- or hexa-functional carboxylic acids.

Synthesis and characterization of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate)

The first synthesis of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) by terpolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO₂), propylene oxide (PO), and N,N-dibenzyl amino glycidol (DBAG) following the removal of benzyl protecting groups.

Programmable self-assembly of a cystamine-block copolymer in response to pH and progressive reduction–ionization–oxidation

A water-soluble cystamine-block copolymer undergoes air/pH-mediated programmable self-assembly/reconstructions simply stemming from the unique environment-mediated reaction complexity of the cystamine-functionalized unit.

Ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP): synthesis and properties of polyesters and polycarbonates

This feature article highlights the opportunities presented by ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) as a controlled route to prepare polyesters and polycarbonates.

Recent advances in glycerol polymers: chemistry and biomedical applications

Glycerol polymers are attracting increased attention due to the diversity of polymer compositions and architectures available. This article provides a brief chronological review on the current status of these polymers along with representative examples of their use for biomedical applications. First, the underlying chemistry of glycerol that provides access to a range of monomers for subsequent polymerizations is described. Then, the various synthetic methodologies to prepare glycerol-based polymers including polyethers, polycarbonates, polyesters, and so forth are reviewed. Next, several biomedical applications where glycerol polymers are being investigated including carriers for drug delivery, sealants or coatings for tissue repair, and agents possessing antibacterial activity are described. Fourth, the growing market opportunity for the use of polymers in medicine is described. Finally, the findings are concluded and summarized, as well as the potential opportunities for continued research efforts are discussed.

Synthesis of fully alternating polycarbonate with low Tg from carbon dioxide and bio-based fatty acid

Perfectly alternating copolymerization of CO₂ with a bio-based epoxide is reported with a heterogeneous Zn–Co(iii) DMCC, affording copolymers with low T_g values of −38 to −44 °C and two end hydroxyl groups.

Facile synthesis, sequence-tuned thermoresponsive behaviours and reaction-induced reorganization of water-soluble keto-polymers

Water-soluble keto-polymers: facile synthesis in methanol on irradiation with visible light at 25 °C, sequence-tuned thermoresponsive behaviours and reaction-induced reorganization.

A one-step strategy for cross-linkable aliphatic polycarbonates with high degradability derived from CO2, propylene oxide and itaconic anhydride

A one-step strategy for the preparation of cross-linkable aliphatic polycarbonates via the direct terpolymerization of CO₂, propylene oxide and itaconic anhydride is presented for the first time in this paper.