Synthesis of Polycarbonates and Poly(ether carbonate)s Directly from Carbon Dioxide and Diols Promoted by a Cs2CO3/CH2Cl2 System

Abstract

Recently, polycarbonates have attracted considerable research interest because of their potential biodegradability and sustainability. Here, we present a direct route for the synthesis of polycarbonates and poly(ether carbonate)s from carbon dioxide (CO2) and diols, promoted by Cs2CO3 and CH2Cl2 under 1 atm of CO2. Quantitative conversion of diols and polymers with up to 11 kg/mol molecular weight could be obtained. While benzylic diols lead to predominantly carbonate linkage, aliphatic diols result in the incorporation of the methylene unit of CH2Cl2 that produces poly(ether carbonate)s. Both primary and secondary diols have been successfully incorporated into the polymer chain.