Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Synthesis of aliphatic polyesters by polycondensation using inorganic acid as catalyst
Marina Sokolsky-Papkov1, Robert Langer2, Abraham J Domb1
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy-Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
An effective route for the synthesis of aliphatic polyesters made from adipic or sebacic acid and alkanediols, using inorganic acid as a catalyst is reported. The monomer composition, reaction time, catalyst type, and reaction conditions were optimized to yield polyesters with weight average molecular weights of 23,000 for adipic acid and 85,000 for sebacic acid-based polyesters. The polymers melt at temperatures of 52-65°C and possess melt viscosity in the range of 5600-19,400cP. This route represents an alternative method for producing aliphatic polyesters for possible use in the preparation of degradable disposable medical supplies.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis
During hydrolysis, the ester is first activated towards nucleophilic attack through the protonation of the carboxyl oxygen atom by the acid catalyst. The protonation makes the ester carbonyl carbon more electrophilic. In the next step, water acts as a nucleophile and adds to the...
Carboxylic Acids to Esters: Acid-Catalyzed (Fischer) Esterification Overview
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
Carboxylic Acids to Esters: Acid-Catalyzed (Fischer) Esterification Mechanism
Acid-Catalyzed Aldol Addition Reaction

