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Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
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The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
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The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
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Chain-growth or addition polymerization is successive addition reactions of monomers with a polymer chain. In radical chain-growth polymerization, the reaction proceeds via a free-radical intermediate. The free radical is formed from radical initiators, which spontaneously generate free radicals by homolytic fission. Organic peroxides (such as dibenzoyl peroxide, as shown in Figure 1) or azo compounds are popular radical initiators. A low concentration ratio of radical initiator to monomer is...
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The radical chain-growth polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination of polymerization. The polymerization initiates when a free radical generated from the radical initiator adds to the unsaturated bond in the monomer. The unpaired electron of the free radical and one π electron in the unsaturated bond creates a σ bond between the free radical and the monomer. As a result, the other π electron in the unsaturated bond converts this...
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Stabilization strategies in biomass depolymerization using chemical functionalization.

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Researchers are developing new methods to prevent unwanted reactions during biomass conversion. These strategies aim to improve the production of sustainable chemicals from plant materials.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomass Valorization and Renewable Chemicals
  • Chemical Engineering and Process Development

Background:

  • Lignocellulosic biomass valorization typically involves depolymerizing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin into sugars and phenolic monomers.
  • Undesirable condensation reactions of reactive intermediates during biomass deconstruction pose significant challenges to commercialization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for suppressing condensation reactions in biomass deconstruction.
  • To explore chemical functionalization approaches for improving biomass valorization pathways.
  • To provide an outlook on sustainable production of renewable-platform chemicals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of molecular driving forces governing biomass deconstruction.
  • Analysis of chemical functionalization strategies to mitigate intermediate condensation.
  • Discussion of process solutions and upgrading pathways.

Main Results:

  • Functionalization strategies can either prevent the formation of reactive intermediates or selectively transform them into stable derivatives.
  • Suppression of condensation pathways opens unforeseen upgrading routes for biomass-derived products.
  • These approaches offer potential solutions for sustainable chemical production.

Conclusions:

  • New strategies targeting reactive intermediates are crucial for efficient lignocellulosic biomass valorization.
  • Chemical functionalization offers a promising avenue for overcoming deconstruction challenges.
  • These advancements hold significant potential for the sustainable production of renewable-platform chemicals.