Leveraging E/Z Isomerization to Enhance Ring Opening Polymerization Thermodynamics of a CO2/Butadiene Derived δ-Lactone
Abstract
3-ethylidene-6-vinyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one (EVP), a δ-lactone with 28 wt % CO2, has been shown to valorize cheap and abundant waste products into commercially competitive polyester products which are non-toxic and potentially biodegradable. Here, our team reports the photochemical E/Z isomerization of EVP through irradiation with 245 nm light. Selective ringopening polymerization of (Z)EVP is achieved through ureate-anion catalysis, where unwanted Michael addition reaction is suppressed at low temperature (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis
Polymer Foaming and Composites
biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ChemRxiv
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Publication date
- 6 April 2026
- Document type
- Preprint