Enzymatic synthesis of cross-linkable polyesters from renewable resources.

Enzymatic synthesis of a new class of cross-linkable polyesters has been achieved. Polymerization of divinyl sebacate and glycerol using Candida antarctica lipase as catalyst in the presence of unsaturated higher fatty acids produced the polyesters having an unsaturated group in the side chain. The polyester was subjected to hardening by cobalt naphthenate catalyst or thermal treatment, yielding cross-linked transparent film.