Novel stereoisomeric lignin-derived polycarbonates: towards the creation of bisphenol polycarbonate mimics

In this work, we have described a family of bio-based polycarbonates (PC-MBC) based on the unique lignin-derived aliphatic diol 4,4 '-methylenebiscyclohexanol (MBC) that was sustainably sourced from lignin oxidation mixture. The detailed structure analysis of these polycarbonates has been confirmed by a series of 2D NMR (HSQC and COSY) characterizations. Depending on the stereoisomerism of MBC, the PC-MBC displayed a wide achievable T-g range of 117-174 degrees C and high T-d5% of >310 degrees C by variation of the ratio of the stereoisomers of MBC, offering great substitution perspectives towards a bisphenol-containing polycarbonates. Nonetheless, the most here presented PC-MBC polycarbonates were film-forming and transparent.

Automated summary

In this study, a family of bio-based polycarbonates (PC-MBC) has been described, which are based on a unique lignin-derived aliphatic diol (MBC) sustainably sourced from lignin oxidation mixture. The detailed structure analysis of these polycarbonates has been confirmed by a series of 2D NMR characterizations. The PC-MBC displayed a wide achievable T-g range of 117-174 degrees C and high T-d5% of >310 degrees C by variation of the ratio of the stereoisomers of MBC, offering great substitution perspectives towards a bisphenol-containing polycarbonates. Nonetheless, the presented PC-MBC polycarbonates were film-forming and transparent.