CO₂‐Sourced α‐Alkylidene Cyclic Carbonates: A Step Forward in the Quest for Functional Regioregular Poly(urethane)s and Poly(carbonate)s

Abstract

Abstract Described is a robust platform for the synthesis of a large diversity of novel functional CO 2 ‐sourced polymers by exploiting the regiocontrolled ring‐opening of α‐alkylidene carbonates by various nucleophiles. The reactivity of α‐alkylidene carbonates is dictated by the exocyclic olefinic group. The polyaddition of CO 2 ‐sourced bis(α‐alkylidene carbonate)s (bis‐αCCs) with primary and secondary diamines provides novel regioregular functional poly(urethane)s. The reactivity of bis‐αCCs is also exploited for producing new poly(β‐oxo‐carbonate)s by organocatalyzed polyaddition with a diol. This synthesis platform provides new functional variants of world‐class leading polymer families (polyurethanes, polycarbonates) and valorizes CO 2 as a chemical feedstock.