Polymerization of terpenes and terpenoids using metal catalysts

Terpenes and their oxygenated derivatives, terpenoids, are synthesized mainly by plants and are found in flowers, fruits, trees and spices. They are one of the largest family of natural products synthesized as secondary metabolites. A remarkable structurally different terpenes can be found, including acyclic, monocyclic, bicyclic and polycyclic structures. In all cases, they present functional groups which render them as interesting precursors for the synthesis of new added-value chemicals. From a chemical point of view, terpenes are hydrocarbon units with double bonds, hence there are suitable natural substitutes of oil-derived monomers; however, terpene polymerization is an area that has been little explored. In this chapter, an overview of the most commonly studied terpenes and terpenoids in polymerization processes catalyzed by metal compounds is given. In some cases, such as the copolymerization of 1,2-limonene-oxide with CO2 to give polycarbonates, polymers that can compete with the oil-derived ones have been produced which shown the great potential that this family of natural products entails. The polymerization of terpenes and terpenoids is an exciting area that is only now awakening.