Essential oil-derived decomposable polymers via cycloaddition polymerization of silyl ether-linked phenylpropanoids

Owing to increasing concerns regarding climate change, research concerning the use of plant biomass as a renewable carbon resource has become increasingly active. Phenylpropanoids, which are aromatic compounds derived from plants, offer renewable sources owing to their availabilities and structural diversity. This study presents an approach for use in producing decomposable polymers with high biomass contents via [2 + 2] cycloaddition polymerization. Bifunctional monomers with silyl ether-linked phenylpropanoids were synthesized, and their polymerizations were investigated using chemical and electro- and photochemical methods. The resulting polymers contained aromatic and cyclobutane rings and silyl ether bonds in their backbones, which enhanced their thermal properties. Notably, these polymers could be decomposed via Diels-Alder reactions at the cyclobutane rings or Si-O bond cleavage, facilitating chemical re- and upcycling. Here, we show a sustainable method of producing high-biomass decomposable polymers, potentially contributing in reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.