Synthesis of Sustainable Polyesters via Organocatalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides: Advances and Perspectives

Sustainable polyesters can be furnished via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of O-carboxyanhydrides (OCAs). Various catalysts, especially metal-based catalysts, are devised to achieve controlled ROP of OCAs. In the following mini review, the recent progress on the organocatalytic ROP of OCAs, including the usage of thiourea-based bifunctional single-molecule organocatalysts for eliminating epimerization in OCAs polymerization is summarized. Moreover, the future development of the organocatalytic ROP of OCAs for the synthesis of sustainable polyesters will be discussed.

Automated summary

The review highlights the use of various catalysts, especially metal-based catalysts, for controlled ROP of OCAs. It also summarizes recent progress on the organocatalytic ROP of OCAs and discusses the future development of this method for sustainable polyester synthesis.