Synthesis and Functionalization of Sustainable Poly(ester-co-carbonate) from Carbon Dioxide, 1,3-Butadiene, and Biosourced Diols

Chemical synthesis of polymers from carbon dioxide (CO2) has been attracting a continuous amount of attention. This contribution explores the copolymerization of ethylidene-6-vinyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one (EVL) synthesized from CO2 and 1,3-butadiene with various cyclic carbonates (CC) derived from CO2 and biomass diols. Following the "scrambling polymerizations" mechanism, EVL units are incorporated into polycarbonate backbones, resulting in random poly(ester-co-carbonate) P(EVL-co-CC) with functionalizable C═C double bonds. Kinetic studies and characterizations are conducted by NMR, MALDI-ToF MS, and SEC techniques. The obtained degradable P(EVL-co-CC)s having varying topologies, CO2 and C═C double bond contents, and glass transition temperatures are suitable for diverse applications. Modification in situ or via a postpolymerization "thiol–ene" reaction produces a copolymer with tunable tensile strength and amphiphilic and hydrophilic properties. This work presents an advancement in the utilization of CO2 to synthesize functional poly(ester-co-carbonate)s, contributing to the development of sustainable and green polymer chemistry.