Evaluating the commercial application potential of polyesters with 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitols (isosorbide, isomannide and isoidide) by reviewing the synthetic challenges in step growth polymerization

Plastic materials play a pivotal role in modern society. Finding sustainable alternatives to established fossil-based polymers is an important part of the effort reduce environmental impact sector. 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitols (isosorbide, isomannide and isoidide) are group biobased diol monomers that promising for synthesis polyesters. Their rigid molecular structure imparts favorable material properties polymers. Isosorbide especially interesting due its current commercial availability from glucose. This potential reflected large number publications on polyesters with isosorbide past decade. Despite this, high weight molar percentages remain elusive low reactivity (trans)esterification reactions. review compares efforts both academic patent literature puts them into perspective regarding industrial viability. Interesting strategies possible future developments highlighted together properties.