Cyclic Polyesters: Synthetic Methods and Perspectives

Cyclic polymers exhibit a distinctive topology that significantly differs from their linear counterparts due to their circular structure and absence of chain ends. These structural characteristics confer unique physico-mechanical properties, positioning the development of degradable and environmentally benign cyclic polyesters at the forefront of macromolecular chemistry. In this review, we examine recent advances in synthetic strategies of various cyclic polyesters and provide an overview of these cyclic polyesters' properties. Challenges in both the synthesis and practical application of these cyclic polyesters are also discussed.