Acrylic Platform from Renewable Resources via a Paradigm Shift in Lactide Polymerization

A new polyacrylate, poly(methylidenelactide), with high thermal stability and derived from biobased resources is reported. This polymer is formed from the radical polymerization of a modified lactide derivative and represents one of the few examples of an acrylic from which the entire mass is bioderived and is made from a simplistic synthesis. Furthermore, poly(methylidenelactide) serves as a foundation for a platform of new acrylic structures, owing to pendant cyclic diesters that are susceptible to postpolymerization modification via simple transesterification chemistry. Several examples of unique acrylics made from poly(methylidenelactide) are synthesized and characterized.