Long-chain polyesters and polyamides from biochemically derived fatty acids

• Biotechnologically derived fatty acids were used for polymer synthesis.
• Long-chain renewable polyesters and polyamides were obtained.
• Good thermal properties were observed.

Here, we describe the use of biochemically derived fatty acid derivatives (ω- and ω-1 hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters) as starting materials for renewable polyesters and polyamides. The required long-chain monomers were obtained by chemical derivatization of biochemically derived fatty acids. Thus, a long chain diester and a ω-amino fatty acid methyl ester were synthesized and used to prepare polyester PE 32–34:32–34 and polyamide PA 16. The polyester was prepared by transesterification using 5 mol% of the catalyst tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct)2), leading to an average molecular weight of Mn = 7.4 kDa and a melting point of 109 °C. PA 16 was prepared by amidation using TBD as catalyst and resulting in an average molecular weight of Mn = 20.3 kDa and a melting point of 166 °C.

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