ORS1-0028
Toward Sustainable Polyester Synthesis: A Mild Aqueous Route from α,ω-Diols Using a Recyclable Bromide System
When and Where
Oct 3, 2025
12:00am - 12:00am
Presenter(s)
Lou DELUGEAU (LCPO - Bordeaux University - CNRS)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Conventional polyester synthesis relies on polycondensation of diacids (or diesters) with diols and generally requires high temperatures, vacuum, and metal catalysts. Here, we report a mild aqueous route to aliphatic polyesters directly from α,ω-diols using a bromide-mediated oxidative system. NaBr/NaBrO₃ mixture generates in-situ hypobromous acid (HOBr), enabling oxidation of primary alcohols and concomitant polyester formation at 30 °C in water. Hydrogen peroxide was used as an oxidant to regenerate active bromine species, allowing medium recycling over several cycles. By iterative bromide addition, number-average molar masses up to 8000 g·mol⁻¹ were obtained. Spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses confirmed polyester formation. This approach avoids harsh conditions and pre-functionalized monomers, highlighting the potential of halogen chemistry combined with green oxidants for sustainable polymer synthesis.
