Enzymatic Synthesis of Aromatic Polyesters by Lipase-Catalyzed Polymerization of Dicarboxylic Acid Divinyl Esters and Glycols

Polyesters containing aromatic moiety in the main chain have been synthesized by enzymatic polymerization of dicarboxylic acid divinyl esters and glycols under mild reaction conditions. Divinyl esters of isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and p-phenylene diacetic acid, were used as new monomer for the enzymatic polymerization. Effects of the polymerization conditions were systematically investigated in the polymerization of divinyl isophthalate and 1,6-hexanediol. Candida antarctica lipase afforded the polymer of the highest molecular weight. Methylene chain length of the glycol affected the polymer yield and molecular weight. Divinyl terephthalate was enzymatically polymerized under the similar reaction conditions, yielding the polymer of lower molecular weight. Enzymatic polymerization of divinyl sebacate and p-xylylene glycol also afforded the aromatic polyester.