Upgrading of itaconic acid and formamide for the synthesis of biobased branched polyesters.

• Grant number: 25/06761-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Leandro Helgueira de Andrade
• Grantee: Guilherme Cardoso Valles
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/17873-1 - Formamide in the construction of functional polymers, AP.R

Abstract

Polymers are essential components in our daily lives, but the vast majority of them are derived from fossil sources and are significant contributors to environmental pollution. Therefore, biodegradable and renewable alternatives are being sought, such as itaconic acid, a compound used as a chemical platform that is obtained from biomass, has high added value, and has been the focus of a wide range of research and applications in the scientific field, including its use as a component in polymers.With this in mind, this project proposes the synthesis of a series of renewable polyesters and polyamides, starting from an itaconic acid ester (DMI). To this end, the study will focus on optimizing the continuous-flow photocarbamoylation reaction of DMI using LED lamps (400 nm) and catalyst recycling. Subsequently, different amide alcoholysis reactions will be tested to ensure the formation of tricarballylic ester, a monomer that will then undergo reaction with a series of diols to form polyesters, and diamines to form polyamides.The polycondensation reactions will be optimized by using different catalysts and varying parameters such as reagent ratio, temperature, and time. Finally, the synthesized polymers will have their properties investigated using mechanical and thermoanalytical techniques in order to define their potential applications