Synthesis and characterization of poly(butylene terephthalate) copolyesters derived from threitol

The synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of partially renewable poly(butylene terephthalate) copolyesters containing alditol units are described. These were obtained by polycondensation in solution from mixtures 1,4-butanediol 2,3-di- O-benzyl-L-threitol with terephthaloyl chloride. Copolyesters weight-average molecular weights oscillating between 4 000 12 g·mol −1 dispersities around 1.5 obtained. All them had a random microstructure thermally stable well above 300°C. up to 30% dibenzyl threitol found be crystalline adopt the same crystal structure as parent homopolyester terephthalate). melting temperature crystallinity observed decrease, glass transition increase, increasing amounts incorporated copolyester. Furthermore, crystallizability was depressed copolymerization.