This study focuses on the catalytic effect of the two geometric isomers of a cinnamic acid derivative, E and Z-forms of 3-methoxycinnamic acid (3OMeCA), analyzing the influence of their chemical structures. E and Z-3OMeCA isomers show very good catalytic effect in the polymerization of benzoxazines, decreasing by 40 and 55 °C, respectively, the polymerization temperatures, for catalyst contents of up to 10% w/w. Isothermal polymerizations show that polymerizations are easily realized and analyzed at temperatures as low as 130 °C and at much shorter times using Z-3OMeCA instead of E-3OMeCA. Thus, both cinnamic acids are good catalysts, with Z-3OMeCA being better. The molecular reasons for this difference and mechanistic implications in benzoxazine polymerizations are also presented.
Keywords: Z-cinnamic acid derivatives; benzoxazine polymerizations; benzoxazines; catalysts; chemical design.