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

摘要

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 (CO_(2)) and diols, promoted by Cs_(2)CO_(3) and CH_(2)Cl_(2) under 1 atm of CO_(2). 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 CH_(2)Cl_(2) that produces poly(ether carbonate)s. Both primary and secondary diols have been successfully incorporated into the polymer chain.