Bio-inspired enzymatic synthesis of terpenoid based-(meth)acrylic monomers: a solvent-, metal-, amino- and halogen-free approach

Abstract : In an attempt to pave the way towards the substitution of petroleum-based monomers for monomers from sustainable and renewable resources, this work investigates the synthesis of a portfolio of new (meth)acrylic monomers using as raw materials terpenoids that can be conveniently extracted from wood waste and citrus fruits. The synthetic process is based on the enzymatic catalysis of the esterification of the terpenoids and it is solvent-, metal-, amino- and halogen-free, overcoming the limitations of the common esterification techniques. The effect of employing microwaves in combination with the enzyme as well as the effect of the acyl donor choice ((meth)acrylic acids vs. (meth)acrylic anhydrides) were studied. The process yielded complete conversion and then high purity monomers with a variety of structures that would allow them to substitute many of the most commonly used petrochemical (meth)acrylic monomers