BTX EXTRACTION.

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam have developed a simple synthesis strategy to overcome the low reactivity of isosorbide, a glucose-derived secondary diol monomer. By incorporating an aryl alcohol in the polymerization process, the researchers were able to enhance the reactivity of isosorbide and produce high-molecular-weight poly(isosorbide succinate) (PIsSu) with high fractions of the bio-based secondary diol. The resulting plastics outperform existing materials in terms of heat resistance, barrier properties, and mechanical strength. The research was funded by the Dutch Research Council and supported by industry partners including The LEGO Group and Avantium Chemicals. [Extracted from the article]