Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Polymerization of New CO2-Based Cyclic Carbonates

Carbon dioxide can be converted into functional heterocycles known as cyclic carbonates, whose recent reactivity has been expanded towards the formation of tailor-made engineering polymers. This minireview gives an overview of the most topical developments in this area with a special focus on the synthetic methods employed to prepare these CO2 based synthons. In addition, their application potential in the area of polymer science using a variety of polymerization techniques is discussed that have in common the ring-opening of the carbonate monomers. Future perspectives are provided that provide impetus for the scientific communities aligning research to the use of sustainable processes for polymers from recyclable carbon sources such as CO2.

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of recent developments in converting carbon dioxide into cyclic carbonates and their applications in polymer science. The focus is on the synthetic methods used to prepare these CO2-based synthons and the ring-opening reactions of carbonate monomers. The article also discusses future perspectives and encourages the use of recyclable carbon sources for polymer research.