Ring opening metathesis polymerisation of a new bio-derived monomer from itaconic anhydride and furfuryl alcohol†
Abstract
A new oxa-norbornene bio-based lactone obtained from the 100% atom economic reaction of furfuryl alcohol and itaconic anhydride via a tandem Diels–Alder addition and lactonisation is presented. Esterification of the resulting acid gives a monomer for the production of a bio-based polymer with low polydispersity and well controlled molecular weight via ring-opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP).