Multicomponent Polymerizations Provide Sustainable Sulfur (Selenium)-Containing Polyesters

Abstract

With the rapid development of the polymer industry, the contradiction between synthetic polymers and the sustainable development of human society is becoming more and more prominent. The advancement of degradable plastics greatly contributes to the sustainability of our society. Synthetic polymers containing precisely placed in-chain ester groups are expected to be degradable in a controlled manner. Their potential as environmentally benign plastics is significant. For this purpose, there is a clear need for their improved performance. Incorporating sulfur functional groups into polyesters can improve the diverse crucial properties of their counterparts. However, there is a lack of related high-efficiency polymer synthesis methods.