Chapter 7: ROP of Cyclic Carbonates

In this chapter, the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic carbonates is described, including mechanism, catalysts/initiators, and types of monomers. Since carbonates are partially esters, the ROP generally proceeds via transesterification and hence some aspects of the catalysis and mechanism overlap with those for cyclic esters. On the other hand, decarboxylation is a particular characteristic side reaction of the ROP of cyclic carbonates, which can be addressed by exploring new catalysts and/or developing new cyclic carbonate monomers. Polycarbonates obtained by ROP are typically aliphatic and can be potentially applied to biomaterials as a consequence of its biodegradability. In this context, elucidating the ROP of cyclic carbonates is important for not only polymer chemists but also biomaterial scientists. This chapter especially focuses on the progress over the last decade regarding catalysts/initiators along with fundamental knowledge of ROP of cyclic carbonates. In addition, polymerizable cyclic carbonates are presented.