Rapid Synthesis of Chemically Recyclable Polycarbonates from Renewable Feedstocks

We report the rapid, one-pot synthesis of functional polycarbonates derived from renewable alcohols (i.e., glucose tetraacetate, acetyl isosorbide, lauryl alcohol, and ethanol) and a cyclic carbonate bearing an imidazolecarboxylate. This tandem functionalization/ring-opening polymerization strategy can be performed on multigram scale and eliminates the need for rigorous purification and specialized equipment. A wide range of glass transition temperatures (T_g) was accessible from these renewable pendant groups (>75 °C T_g window). We also synthesized several statistical copolycarbonates to show the thermal properties can be tailored with this tandem method. Additionally, we demonstrate a circular polymer economy via chemical recycling to a cyclic carbonate precursor. This work may facilitate development of sustainable polycarbonates with tailored properties that work toward eliminating plastic waste streams.

Stereoselective cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers by easily and finely tunable titanium complexes prepared from tartrate-derived diols: isospecific polymerization and recognition of chiral side chains

Isotactic poly(vinyl ether)s were generated by titanium TADDOLates, which can be prepared from naturally abundant tartaric acid in a facile and economical manner with well-defined structures.

Polar Thermoplastics with Tunable Physical Properties Enabled by the Stereoselective Copolymerization of Vinyl Ethers

A series of isotactic, semicrystalline vinyl ether copolymers (up to 94% meso diads) were synthesized using a chiral BINOL-based phosphoric acid in combination with a titanium Lewis acid. This stereoselective cationic polymerization enabled the systematic tuning of both glass transition (T_g) and melting temperature (T_m) in copolymers derived from alkyl vinyl ethers (i.e., ethyl, butyl, isobutyl). Additionally, a vinyl ether comonomer bearing an acyl-protected alcohol was utilized as a platform for postfunctionalization. Copolymers containing the masked alcohols were shown to undergo deprotection and subsequent coupling with a desired acid chloride. Collectively, these results highlight the diverse material properties and expanded chemical space accessible through stereoselective cationic polymerization mediated by a chiral anion.