Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of aliphatic polyesters in supercritical carbon dioxide

Synthesis of aliphatic polyesters has been examined using Candida antarctica lipase in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The enzymatic ring-opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone (ϵ-CL) proceeded in scCO2 to give a polymer with molecular weight higher than 104. Effects of reaction parameters such as the monomer concentration, enzyme amount and pressure have been systematically investigated. Copolymerization of ϵ-CL with 12-docecanolide afforded the random copolymer. The enzymatic polycondensation of divinyl adipate and 1,4-butanediol also proceeded in scCO2 to produce the corresponding polyester.