Biobased Plasticizers from Carbohydrate-Derived 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan

As potential replacements for phthalate plasticizers, a series of esters of biobased 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan has been synthesized and fully characterized using spectroscopic and thermal methods. These materials are fully compatible with PVC and display a good plasticizing effect, comparable to that of common phthalate plasticizers. The presence of these materials does not diminish the thermal stability of the polymer, and they display a low migratory potential. These compounds would seem to represent attractive biobased alternatives to traditional phthalate esters for the plasticization of PVC.