Non-Isocyanate Synthesis of Aliphatic Polyurethane by BiCl₃-Catalyzed Transurethanization Polycondensation

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) synthesis presents a greener alternative to traditional methods.
• Tin-based catalysts, while effective, raise environmental and health concerns.
• Developing efficient, non-tin catalysts is crucial for sustainable NIPU production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore bismuth compounds as catalysts for NIPU synthesis.
• To identify an optimal bismuth catalyst for the self-polycondensation of bishydroxyurethane monomers.
• To evaluate the performance and safety profile of bismuth catalysts compared to traditional tin catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Screening of various bismuth compounds as catalysts.
• Optimization of reaction conditions for bismuth-catalyzed self-polycondensation.
• Comparative analysis of catalytic activity, price, and toxicity with dibutyltin oxide (Bu2SnO).

Main Results:

• Bismuth chloride (BiCl3) demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in the self-polycondensation of bishydroxyurethane.
• BiCl3 exhibited comparable catalytic performance and cost-effectiveness to dibutyltin oxide (Bu2SnO).
• BiCl3 possesses significantly lower toxicity compared to traditional tin-based catalysts.

Conclusions:

• BiCl3 is a highly effective catalyst for non-isocyanate polyurethane synthesis.
• Bismuth compounds, particularly BiCl3, represent a viable and sustainable alternative to tin catalysts.
• This research advances the development of greener polyurethane production methods.