Supercritical CO2 as an Efficient Medium for Macromolecular Carbonate Synthesis through Ring-Opening Co- and Teroligomerization

The use of a supercritical CO2 medium allowsfor improved co- and teroligomerization of biobased epoxides affordingmacromolecular carbonates. Ring-openingpolymerization and teroligomerization processes thatinvolve two different epoxides and carbon dioxide are significantlymore efficiently executed in a supercritical CO2 medium.Here, we demonstrate that this generally considered green medium isadvantageous for the catalytic formation of both conventional andbiobased co- and teroligomers avoiding the occurrence of diffusion-limitedcatalysis while maximizing the polymer quality, yield, and carbonatecontent.

Automated summary

The use of supercritical CO2 medium improves the co- and teroligomerization of biobased epoxides, resulting in macromolecular carbonates. The catalytic formation of conventional and biobased co- and teroligomers is more efficiently executed in a supercritical CO2 medium, maximizing the polymer quality, yield, and carbonate content while avoiding diffusion-limited catalysis.