Synthesis of biobased functional materials using photoactive cinnamate derivatives

Abstract The use of cinnamic acid provides an approach to the research and development biobased plastics for reduction global warming caused by increasing amounts carbon dioxide in atmosphere. Cinnamic acids metabolic systems plants microorganisms have been extensively studied. These cinnamates are reactive ultraviolet (UV) light, polymers based on these exhibit unique properties. In this focus review, we describe our recent work materials cinnamates. Polyesters obtained polycondensation hydroxycinnamic abundant plants. amorphous polycinnamate films characteristic photodeformability upon UV irradiation owing E-Z isomerization [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions. reaction cinnamate can also be used obtain truxillic truxinic with excellent symmetry. Using truxillic/truxinic acids, organic solvents or water-soluble polyimides high-strength polyamides high transparency derived, comparable existing high-performance obtained.