Catalyzed ring opening of epoxides: Application to bioplasticizers synthesis

The ring opening of mono, di or tri-substituted epoxides by acetic anhydride to corresponding diacetates is catalyzed by weak bases such as hydrotalcite in the carbonated form. This reaction is performed at 423 K without solvent and the solid catalyst is reused after simple regeneration for 4 runs with constant conversion. Ring-opening of methyl oleate epoxide leads to the formation of useful diacetate methyl oleate.Starting from vegetable oils, polyacetate derivatives are prepared in three catalytic steps (methanolysis, epoxidation then ring opening). Plastisol was prepared by mixing these products with PVC and their rheological properties were evaluated. The recorded data show that they can act as bioplasticizer with similar behaviour as phthalate reference.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (87 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Hydrotalcites are efficient reusable catalysts for ring opening of epoxide. ▶ Influence of Brönsted/Lewis characters of solid has been established. ▶ Potential bioplasticizers of PVC are synthetized from vegetable oils.