Scientists suggest new technique for sustainable manufacturing of copolyester monomers with biomass

Poly (1,4-cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate) (PCTA) is a vital copolyester that has been broadly utilized in beauty containers, residence home equipment, and medical packaging.

Currently, PCTA is manufactured through polycondensation of cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), which is industrially produced from petroleum-derived xylene. To scale back the reliance on fossil vitality, a extra sustainable different technique is required.

Recently, a analysis crew led by Prof. Zhang Tao, Prof. Wang Aiqin and Prof. Li Ning, in collaboration with Prof. Wang Feng’s group, from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) developed a sustainable route for the manufacturing of copolyester monomers with biomass.

This research was revealed in Angewandte Chemie International Edition on Nov. 30.

In this research, the researchers used plant-based acrylate and acetaldehyde as feedstocks, and produced PCTA monomer in an general yield of 61 p.c. The entire course of included Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) response, one-step dehydration/Diels-Alder response, and ultimate Pd/C-catalyzed dehydrogenation.

Besides, they various the ultimate step to hydrogenation over Pd/C-Cu/Zn/Al dual-bed catalyst, and produced UNOXOL^TM diol, which is one other necessary monomer in coatings trade, in an general yield of 67 p.c.

Furthermore, the life cycle assessment implied that the newly-developed biomass-based routes had the potential to cut back carbon footprint.

“This study paves a new way for the production of renewable PCTA and also provides a new guidance for biomass conversion,” mentioned Prof. Li.