Progress in Catalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Biobased Lactones

Polymers that can be extracted or manufactured from renewable resources such as sugars, natural acids, or terpenes are increasingly relevant. In this context, biobased lactones are a group of monomers that can be synthesized from renewable feedstocks and combine versatility with the ability to yield high-performing materials including both thermoplastics and thermosets. In this chapter, an overview of different kinds of catalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) mechanisms including coordination, organocatalyzed, and enzymatic reactions is discussed. ROP of renewable lactones to yield polyesters are classified by their origin. In particular, we report on recent advances in ROP of terpene-based precursors such as limonene and pinene that lead to a variety of caprolactone derivatives which are available for polymerization. Moreover, lactones that can be converted from sugars and natural acids (e.g., fatty acids, amino acids) will be discussed.