Synthesis of poly(butylene succinate) through oligomerization–cyclization–ROP route

Abstract

The preparation of cyclic butylene succinate lactone via catalytic depolymerization of poly(butylene succinate) oligomers (OPBS) and conversion to high-molecular weight poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is described. OPBS was first synthesized by two-stage melt polycondensation, purified and characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Then, it was depolymerized under reduced pressure in a glass oven and the volatile fraction (VF) was collected and characterized. The butylene succinate lactones obtained by intramolecular transesterification were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Their further successful ROP polymerization within 24 hours afforded the desired PBS with of 65 000 g mol⁻¹ and Đ of 2.2.