Upgrading Itaconic Acid and Formamide for the Production of Branched Polyesters and Polyamides

• Grant number: 25/26518-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Leandro Helgueira de Andrade
• Grantee: Lucas de Jesus Bomfim
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 25/13914-8 - Formamide in the construction of functional polymers, AP.R

Abstract

Polymers are essential components in our daily lives, but their great majority derives from fossil fuels and are strong contributors to environmental pollution. Therefore, alternative biodegradable and renewable monomers are sought, such as itaconic acid, a compound used as a chemical platform obtained from biomass, which has high added value and has been the focus of a 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 polyesters and a series of renewable polyamides, starting from an itaconic acid ester (DMI). To this end, a study will be carried out on the optimization of the continuous-flow photocarbamoylation reaction of DMI using LED lamps (400 nm) and catalyst recycling. Next, different amide alcoholysis reactions will be evaluated to ensure the formation of the tricarballylic ester, a monomer that will then be subjected to reaction with a series of diols for the formation of polyesters and diamines for the formation of polyamides. The polycondensation reactions will be optimized through the use of different catalysts and by varying parameters such as the proportion of reactants, temperature, and time. Finally, the synthesized polymers will have their properties explored through mechanical and thermoanalytical techniques, in order to define their possible applications. (AU)