Synthesis and polymerization of bio-based oxanorbornene derivatives for the development of well-defined functional homo- and block-copolymers

The development of bio-derived polymers as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based polymers has gained considerable attention, driven by both ecological and economic imperatives. Starting with bio-based chemical platforms, including furfurans, maleic anhydride and phenolics, we synthesis functional tricyclic oxanorbornene derivatives. These highly strained cyclic olefins are polymerized in a controlled manner via ROMP to realize well-defined homo and block copolymers. Notably, ROMP exhibits a high tolerance for various functional groups, enabling the synthesis of bio-based polymers bearing diverse functional moieties suitable for applications such as antioxidant and antimicrobial polymers. For instance, novel bio-based antimicrobial polymer bearing quaternary ammonium salts is developed via the ROMP of tricyclic oxanorbornene lactam monomer. The bio-based cationic polymer demonstrates potential antimicrobial activity against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant bacteria strains, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics in addressing the global growing challenge of bacterial resistance.