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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
CO2 -Sourced α-Alkylidene Cyclic Carbonates: A Step Forward in the Quest for Functional Regioregular Poly(urethane)s
Sandro Gennen1, Bruno Grignard1, Thierry Tassaing2
1Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM), CESAM Research Unit, Université de Liège, Bâtiment B6a, 4000, LIEGE (Sart Tilman), Belgium.
Abstract:
Described is a robust platform for the synthesis of a large diversity of novel functional CO2 -sourced polymers by exploiting the regiocontrolled ring-opening of α-alkylidene carbonates by various nucleophiles. The reactivity of α-alkylidene carbonates is dictated by the exocyclic olefinic group. The polyaddition of CO2 -sourced bis(α-alkylidene carbonate)s (bis-αCCs) with primary and secondary diamines provides novel regioregular functional poly(urethane)s. The reactivity of bis-αCCs is also exploited for producing new poly(β-oxo-carbonate)s by organocatalyzed polyaddition with a diol. This synthesis platform provides new functional variants of world-class leading polymer families (polyurethanes, polycarbonates) and valorizes CO2 as a chemical feedstock.
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