Abstract: A polymerisation process is disclosed, the process having the steps of providing an oxetane derivative of a monosaccharide, providing an anionic initiator, forming a reaction mixture comprising the oxetane derivative of the monosaccharide and the anionic initiator, and initiating ring opening polymerisation reaction of the oxetane moiety of the oxetane derivative of the monosaccharide in the reaction mixture, thereby producing a polyether. The monosaccharide may be pentose or a hexose or a derivative of a pentose or hexose. The pentose may be xylose, in D or L form, or a mixture of D and L form. The hexose may be a derivative of galactose. Also disclosed are polyurethanes being a reaction product of an isocyanate and a polyether.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the synthesis of a polycarbonate, the process comprising the step of reacting carbon dioxide with at least one epoxide in the presence of a catalyst of formula (I) and a chain transfer agent. The invention also provides a polymerization system for the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and at least one epoxide comprising a catalyst of formula (I) and a chain transfer agent, polycarbonates produced by the inventive process, a block copolymer comprising a polycarbonate produced by the inventive process, and a method of producing the block copolymer. The invention also relates to novel catalysts of formula (III).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the synthesis of a polycarbonate, the process comprising the step of reacting carbon dioxide with at least one epoxide in the presence of a catalyst of formula (I) and a chain transfer agent. The invention also provides a polymerisation system for the copolymerisation of carbon dioxide and at least one epoxide comprising a catalyst of formula (I) and a chain transfer agent, polycarbonates produced by the inventive process, a block copolymer comprising a polycarbonate produced by the inventive process and a method of producing the same. The invention also relates to novel catalysts of formula (III).