Novel semi-aromatic polyesters based on the biobased diol 2,2′-((3S,3aR,6S,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furan-3,6-diyl)bis(ethan-1-ol): synthesis, characterization and properties

Herein, we provide details of the synthesis and characterization of a novel 2-carbon-extended diol derived from isomannide, 2,2′-((3S,3aR,6S,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furan-3,6-diyl)bis(ethan-1-ol) and the corresponding semi-aromatic copolyester (PIeT) based on it and dimethyl terephthalate. This new polyester (PIeT) has a weight-average molecular weight of about 40 000 g mol−1. The NMR analysis showed that the isohexide unit was retained under applied conditions. DSC and WAXD analyses demonstrated that the polyester is semicrystalline.