Aliphatic Polycarbonates Derived from Epoxides and CO₂

The ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides and CO₂ to aliphatic polycarbonates is a promising approach to raise an alternative toward the classic bisphenol-A-based polycarbonate. Cyclohexene oxide and propylene oxide are therefore the most extensively studied epoxides with limonene oxide gaining more and more attention in recent years. They all have in common that it requires a suitable catalyst to successfully couple them with carbon dioxide. Very simple, heterogeneous ones are used in the industry on a small-scale production of poly(propylene carbonate), while a multitude of homogeneous complexes is studied in research that allow enhanced activities and selectivities.