Chementator briefs [September 2021]

Polycarbonate diols

By combining a CeO₂ catalyst with atmospheric carbon dioxide, researchers from Osaka City University (www.osaka-cu.ac.jp), Tohoku University (Sendai; www.tohoku.ac.jp) and Nippon Steel Corp. (Tokyo; www.nipponsteel.com) have developed an effective catalytic process for the direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols that does not require dehydrating agents. In the process, CO₂ at atmospheric pressure is blown through the reactor to evaporate excess water byproduct, which leads to a high yield and selectivity. Their method, published in a recent issue of Green Chemistry, does not rely on toxic chemical feedstock, such as phosgene and carbon monoxide. Polycarbonate diols are used for making polyesters, polyurethanes and acrylic resins.